Waste of time

Too much of everything

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

"August Rush" is a wonderful story about life and love. The reuniting of parents with a child they didn't know they had, and with each other, happens through unknown feelings or senses of the missing person or persons. The vehicle that connects the three main characters here is natural talent for music. In the case of the boy, August, it's an innate musical genius. Something like this may not be as far-fetched as one may think. The medical and other sciences are researching in many fields of human life from conception, to genetics and heredity. New discoveries are pointing to biological connectedness only imagined in the past. This is between parents and children, siblings, and even relatives removed from a direct bloodline. Some studies have found twins separated at birth and adopted out, knowing some way that they have a twin brother or sister. Other studies are looking at siblings who have a sense of a brother or sister who is not alive. As research continues and we learn more about the complex make up of human life, we may one day come to realize that we all are brothers and sisters in the human race. This is a superb story about the beauty and sacredness of all life - not just that of the specially gifted. August shows us that by his observation of others, and amazement for what they do. This is a fine film for the whole family. And, it could be a good learning vehicle if shown in the schools.The film has touches of humor in places. Here's a favorite line. Louis's fiancé is turned off at his family reunion and leaves in a huff. As she drives off, Marshall says, "Louis, aren't you supposed to be in the car with the girl as she drives off into the sunset?"

Now, okay. I understand that this is a film that loves music (and I can see that), but, one problem I have with some films is the crime they commit of taking a plot that has been used over and over again and just rehashes it without adding anything new. Sadly, for August Rush, this is the truth. The acting in this film is, actually wonderful. Freddie Highmore ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") is wonderful as ever, but even his acting can not really save this film. The same goes to Keri Russell. The script is basically a modern telling of Oliver Twist, just added a love of music. Now, if the script only worked on the love of music and cut the rest of it out, then this film would have been better. But, it had to have a sappy love story thrown in. Now, the main reason, if any, to see this film would have to be the film's score. I mean, it is just wonderful to hear all the music in the film and it would have worked well if the film only dealt with Evan (Freddie Highmore) being a music prodigy. Now, the direction of this film (by the Irishwoman Kirsten Sheridan) is rather slow. I mean, it could have been much faster paced and it does drag for a while. Overall, I only recommend this film if you are into cliché films or just really good film scores.

I started off thinking I would not enjoy this movie, but I found it just so warm and moving. I was deeply touched by the performance of Freddie Highmore. I think he acts with such genuine feeling and his smile lights up the screen. If you want to watch a fast paced movie then this is not it. If you feel like watching something down to earth and honest, then this most certainly is. I have watched some of these scenes over and over and each time they make me smile. The supporting cast play there part and all of it to me seems well acted and right. A film for all the family and I promise there will not be a dry eye in the house, especially towards the film ending. Remember, music is all around us :)

While my summary describes the plot the one thing that drove me crazy was the kid playing the music was obviously not playing the music. I felt no sense of disbelief and felt myself angry at movie producers who would allow such an occurrence. As a musician, I felt like screaming, much like the Puerto Ricans after West Side Storys' Maria was given to Natalie Wood who also couldn't sing. Yet, I've heard from people who love music that they were touched by this film. Arggghhh! Using a cello in the music (young mother) when the young father was playing his sensitive rock tunes was clever and brought them together, but was she shocked when the father of the child she believes she just found is standing right next to her at that exact moment after 12 years? Happy, yes, but shocked, not in the least. I believe this DVD is a coffee coaster in waiting, and I love "Oliver!"