August Rush
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Movie Reviews of August Rush
Movie Review: This movie left me speechless! Wow!
Summary: 5 Stars
Have you ever watched a movie that left you simply speechless and fulfilled? Well, August Rush left me feeling that way! I vaguely remember when this movie was released, and not hearing a thing out it. But when it was released on DVD, I said "what the heck, give it a try". It was surprisingly, one of the best, well written and well thought out movies that I have read in a long time. I simply loved the story, the acting, the music...everything.
Evan (AKA August Rush) was always sure about two things in life, (1) he heard music in everything, and (2) his parents were looking for him! Starting with vivid imagery and personal narrative, Evan describes how he feels about his life and music, while always feeling different from everyone else. As he begins his personal journey, we see how truly special he is. We soon learn the story behind his birth (one night of passion between two musicians, Louis and Lyla), and how he was eventually put up for adoption, by Lyla's very over protective father, who thinks it is in her best interest. Escaping his group home and "following the music", Evan has a series of misadventures as others discover his genius. During his journey, Evan never gives up faith that he will find his parents. And while some try to use Evan (the Wizard, played by Robin Williams), some try to help him (Terrance Howard), some try to find him (Lyla), some befriend him (two lovable and equally talented kids) and some discover him (his unbeknowest father, Louis).
Since so many others have reviewed this movie, I won't say too much more except to watch this movie. You will smile, cry and laugh. It will leave you with a feeling of hope!
Movie Review: A Magical Modern Fairy Tale
Summary: 5 Stars
'August Rush' is, as best, hard to describe. It's not a musical, but it's a movie about music, where music forms the emotional backbone of the story. It's not a fantasy, but the story it tells has elements that can only be described as fantastic. It's not a 'family film' is the traditional sense, though it is a movie the the whole family can watch, enjoy, and appreciate on many levels.
'August Rush' tells the story of a young boy, conceived on a magical night between a pair of star-crossed lovers who seem to be fated never to meet again, and given up as an orphan at birth. Despite his hard life, the boy has a faith that is challenged at every turn. It is not a faith in a God or gods, not even a faith that his parents will find hom someday. What this boy believes in more than anything is a force that shapes his life and the story he tells us: he believes in music.
The boy's faith leads him to a story which is nothing less than magical. It leads him to New York, to discover his own talent for music, to new friends, to people who would use what he brings for their own ends, to those who actually care for him. His belief and his ability and his determination lead him to hear the music all around him, and to express it in his own way.
'August Rush' tells a story that isn't heard very often today, a story of hope and belief and music and the simple ways that magic can be a part of our lives. Like any good fairy tale, 'August Rush' cracks open a door to simple magic and wonder, and invites us to walk through.
"All you have to do...is listen."
Movie Review: A FILM THAT TOUCHES EVERYONE
Summary: 5 Stars
I didn't know quite what to expect when I was handed the this dvd from a friend who said I must watch this. "This is one of the most touching films ever released," they said. So one evening I popped the dvd in, and thought I'd just look it over for a few moments or so. But I found myself sitting through the entire film. It was truly wonderful. Great story line with strong support from an excellent cast. My wife and I actually watched it through a few times now. The more you do, you pick up certain things that carry through the story line. I noticed when Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers first cross paths under moonlite skies, he begins to sing the first opening words to the song "Moondance" and than slowly extends his hand toward hers and holds it. Keeping that picture in your mind, at the climax of the story, when he shows up during the August Rhapsody, and looks over the crowd and sees her there standing nearby, begins to move toward her as she also steps closer to Evan who is conducting the symphony. As this is happening, the music briefly plays in part, the theme "Moondance" once again with the symphony orchestra, as Louis approaches Lyla and once again places his hand in hers as he did when they first met 11 years earlier. A real family classic that was really super, with first class acting, and an inspiring score. Well worth watching over and over. My only complaint was it didn't garner any nominations to my knowlege except "Best Original Song." How about "BEST PICTURE?" It certainly was well worth that!!!Movie Review: hopelessly drawn in
Summary: 5 Stars
Went in knowing this movie was sentimental, plot-simple and without a close hold on reality. Fair enough. Instead you suspend believe, get caught up in the story's mystical web and are transported to a land where dreams come true and the bonds of love and music draw you in completely.
The eclectic music was brilliant and mezmerizing. The cinematography was thoughtful and well edited. The actors were all well cast, (including minor and supporting) all were compelling and believabvle in their parts, especially the brilliant young actor, Freddie Highmore who plays the boy music prodigy. The story builds at a nice pace, including the dramas of finding and losing throughout. Sure the ending is predictable, but who cares when you have already been drawn in and you are rooting for that predictable end to happen? It is magical and totally engaging, the kind of movie that makes you want to clap at the end (which my daughter and I did as did others in the theater.) The trouble with critics (who see way too many movies) is that they have lost their sense of wonder and delight, having already been there and done that from their perspective.
AUGUST RUSH was never meant to succeed on its plot. It is the execution that makes all the difference. As previously stated, when all the cinematic elements are right on: acting, cinematography, editing, casting, music, direction, set and location, the result is a winner
The movie is refreshingly rated PG with nothing to offend anyone.
5 stars! Bravo!
Movie Review: Alex O'Loughlin is the Highlight of this Film!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have all of Alex O'Loughlin's work on DVD, so of course I had to add August Rush. I had seen it in the theater after discovering Alex on Moonlight. Alex would have been cast as the lead of this film, but was told that a "bigger name" was needed. Alex was still fairly new to the industry in the US after being a leading man in Australia. I admire his bravery, coming to the US and basically starting over from scratch. He is a brilliant talent, and should have had the lead in this movie. Since JRM was chosen due to his "bigger name", the part of Marshall Connelly was made larger for Alex since he made such an impression. In my opinion, as always, Alex outshines everyone else in this film. I saw it at the theater and then bought the DVD - just for Alex. Alex is Australian and can do any accent - his Irish accent as Marshall is impeccable. I actually have a friend who is Irish, and she said that it was funny that Alex's accent was better than JRM's, since JRM is Irish. Alex also plays his own guitar and sings in the scenes where they show the brothers' band days, and his talent shines through there as well.
I have known people who didn't know who Alex was when they saw August Rush (Moonlight had just premiered. Then when they did see him in Moonlight and in some of his other movies later, they said, "oh, that's the guy I liked so much in August Rush!" No matter how small the part, Alex always makes an unforgettable impression.
Bottom line - buy this movie and enjoy Alex O'Loughlin. You will be glad you did.