Follow the music
into movies that tell a great story, Lover of quirky, unique films, married
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
NOV
25
2007
August Rush —
Ok, I'll admit it. I may be biased toward any film involving music. Both of my daughters are huge music buffs. One is classical the other wants to play in a band. They play several instruments and are each listening to some type of music constantly. I was prepared to like this urban fairy tale and was not disappointed.August Rush movie is for fans who crave an emotional "they all lived happily ever after" ending. It is not for literal minded thinkers (who will hate this film). The plot is unrealistic even though there are references to the National Center For Missing and Exploited Kids. (Kudos the director Kirsten Sheridan - In America screenwriter - for showing the center's actual phone number in the film.)
The Plot
Rock singer Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and professional cellist Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) meet in a chance encounter. They meet, have sex, and fall in love on the same night. The couple never sees each other again until the end of the move.
Lyla finds herself alone and pregnant. Her father is clearly against her keeping the baby. They argue. She flees the restaurant and is hit by a car. When Lyla is taken in to the hospital for an emergency Cesarean section. Her father seizes the opportunity and forges her name on papers to give up custody of her baby. When she awakes, her father tells her simply that the baby is "gone".
Depressed, Lyla puts her music aside. Although she teaches children to play, much of the joy has faded from her life.
Almost twelve years later the father has a heart attack. Lyla is summoned to the hospital. He tells her where to find his will and finally reveals his dark secret. She asks where the baby is but the father does not know.
Actually, no one does.
Distraught but reserved Lyla goes to Child Protection Services for help. She meets social worker Richard Jeffries (Terrance Howard) who tells her the boy's name is Evan and gives her the bad news. He fled from the boys group home where he had been living and is a missing child.
On the streets, Evan is under the possessive, menacing presence of Wizard (Robin Williams) who clearly exploits Evan and his mismatched group of other children for his own gains. While in this newly found "family" Wizard gives Evan the name of August Rush and orders him to never tell anyone his real name.
Despite the distribution of many flyers this advice thwarts attempts to find August.
Energized by news of her son Lyla picks up the cello again. She is invited to play at the spring concert of the New York Philharmonic and dives into practicing.
Louis meanwhile is tired of pretending to be someone he's not. He tries repeatedly to call Lyla at her Chicago apartment but chickens out every time. To console himself he books a gig for his band in New York and makes ready to play.
August/Evan meanwhile continues to be ruled by the despicable Wizard. At one point, August flees from Wizard's attempts to control him and winds up in another section of the city. Always following the music, the sounds of a church choir at practice calls his attention. He is mesmerized by what he finds at the church (also a homeless shelter). August stays and sleeps under the bed of a young girl who is also staying there.
Soon, it is realized that the boy has musical talent in spades. The pastor gently takes August to Juliard School of Music where he is welcomed with open arms. He begins to take classes and writes a rhapsody that is so well received it is going to be played at the spring concert of the New York Philharmonic in Central Park.
August asked how many people will hear the piece and is reassured. He believes that his family will hear the music, know it is him and come forward to claim him.
His plans are almost thwarted by Wizard. During a rehearsal before the concert Wizard barges in. He announces that August is his son and takes him "home". No one seems to really believe Wizard but no one stops him either. With August firmly in his grasp Wizard walks out with him.
Finally, it is the day of the concert.
On his way out of town Louis sees a banner advertising the concert. Recognizing Lyla's name he demands to be let out of the car and begins running to get to the concert.
August wants badly to be there too. After all, it is his music that is going to be played and it is his dream that his parents will hear it and save him.
Wizard has no interest in allowing August near the concert. They argue in the subway when August's friends from Wizard's "family" comes to the rescue. He slams a guitar into Wizard's back and urges August to run. He need not tell him again.
August heads for the concert as fast as he can go. Looking sharp is a tuxedo he shows up after Lyla's performance just in time to conduct for the playing of his rhapsody.
Lyla is walking away from the stage when August's music begins to play. As if in a trance she goes back. Louis too, makes his way to the stage. He finds Lyla and calmly slips his hand into hers. She stops staring at August to look at him. You can feel the love as they both turn to look a the stage where the music is being performed and you just know that August's dream is going to come true.
Comments
I did warn you that the plot is unrealistic and it is but it comes off well.
The scene where Lyla and Louis make love is very well done. You see nothing and only get the impression of what happened. I wish other films would take note of that. There is some violence (mainly centered around other kids) and some mild swearing.
The actors did a good job. I hate that Robin Williams played Wizard. Williams gave a wonderful performance but you really hate this character for manipulating August and the other children.
Still, this is a film you can take your family to see.
August Rush is recommended by pkmom
 |
Search Amazon.com for August Rush prices |
Comments about pkmom’s Review
More reviews by pkmom
Teppis One Supply Review - "Excellence in Service, Quality and Value."
Ruby Tuesday - All locations, Nationwide Review - "Try Ruby Tuesday in...
Beowulf (2007) Review - "Beowulf Animated Suspense in a Movie "Netflix Review - "Netflix - at home, over the net or buying used. I love...
Movies & DVDs
30 Rock: Season 1 Volume 1
5.00 overall from 6 reviews
from $15 at 1 merchant
5.00 overall from 6 reviews
from $15 at 1 merchant
Yo Gabba Gabba!: The Dancey Dance Bunch
5.00 overall from 7 reviews
5.00 overall from 7 reviews
