August Rush (Nik's Piks: Movie Review)
"Sometimes the world tries to knock it out of you, but I believe in music the way that some people believe in fairy tales." ~ August Rush
August Rush is a 2007 film that was recommended to me by one of my readers. Although it has a family-friendly rating of PG (for some thematic elements, mild violence and language), the film did not strike me as something enjoyable for the entire family. Therefore, I am choosing it as my pick for this week's After Hours review.
First off, I really can not believe I never saw this film - or even heard much about it. The film stars Robin Williams, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Keri Russell, Terrence Howard and Freddie Highmore as the orphaned boy, Evan, who is born with a brilliant musical mind (think modern day Mozart).
Louis (Meyers), an Irish singer and guitar player, has one night of passion with American-star cellist, Lyla (Russell), which results in the birth of their son. Events unfold that tear them all apart. Raised in a home for orphaned boys, Evan, who later changes his name to August Rush, is determined to find his parents. As a runaway in New York City, August is taken under the wing of a con-man known as Wizard (Williams), who exploits homeless children by forcing them to peddle money on the streets by playing music. He immediately recognizes August's musical genius and acts quickly to capitalize on it.
"[Music].....it's God's little reminder that there is something else besides us in this universe." ~ August Rush
Watch Official Trailer
The portrayal of Lyla's desperate search for her son speaks volumes about the undying bond between a mother and her child while teaching us that some people are connected by more than blood or love. This film is not for everyone, but will certainly hit a soft spot among music lovers. It is sentimental, intensely romantic, and more than a bit abstract. Beautifully shot, this film reminds us to open our hearts and minds to the world around us.
This is one of my favorite movies, Nikki. I love it and have seen it quite a few times, one time fairly recently when it was on one of the cable channels, I forget which. I love the quote you pulled from it. I think there are some "Oliver Twist" type elements in here. Wizard seems like another sort of Fagin. I love the optimism in this story too, and the music, of course. :)
ReplyDeleteAgree! I was pleasantly surprised. A reader actually recommended this film to me and I put it off long enough. Thanks for reading and commenting.
DeleteNikki,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great review! Bravo! This movie is such a wonderful film. It is one I want to own. The cast was awesome and the story line was fun and just an inspiration.
Such a great movie!
Chris
Yes, I had no idea what to expect. Really enjoyed it. As always, thanks for reading and commenting, Chris.
DeleteI enjoyed this movie very much, it had a warm feeling to it.
ReplyDeletePerfect description - warming! Thanks for stopping by and reading.
DeleteNikky, you bring me so great recommendation for my upcoming dayoff. Thanks a lot. I'll be back soon.
ReplyDeleteGreat! Enjoy!
Delete