 Rating: PG
Starring: Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard, Robin Williams
Directed by: Kirsten Sheridan
The movie starts with a young boy, Evan Taylor (Highmore), orchestrating the music of the wind as it rustles through a field of wheat. The imagery that his actions beckon is a visual beauty that corresponds wonderfully with the fresh sounds of composer Mark Mancina.
 
Lyla Novacek (Russell), a cellist who performed in the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and Louis Connelly (Rhys Meyers), the lead singer/guitarist for a local band, met on a moonlit rooftop in Washington Square, falling instantly in love under the backdrop of a street performer’s rendition of “Moondance".
They were to meet back at Washington Square, under the arch, but Lyla’s father, Thomas (Sadler), rushes her off to her next concert, leaving the couple’s meeting unfulfilled. Both Lyla and Louis' hopes are dashed. They are left with a feeling of loss, and with their spirits so tarnished, they lose the ability to perform their music.
Months later, Lyla is led to believe that she has lost her unborn child in an accident, and the child, Evan Taylor, is raised in an orphanage; his existence completely unknown to both of his parents.
Evan Taylor holds faithful to the belief that he must follow the music; that it will lead him to his parents, who he is sure want to be with him as much as he wants to be with them. He leaves the orphanage, and under the guidance of the music that he hears all around him, the natural music of life, which leads him to New York City where he finds his way to a young kid, Arthur (Thomas), who winds up bringing him to the abandoned Fillmore East Theater.
A small shroud of children live there under the protection and tutelage of the Wizard (Williams), who takes care of them and gives them a place to stay, in return for the money the kids make during their street performances.
Evan eventually picks up a guitar for the first time, and astounds the Wizard with his natural musical talent, with an ultimately unique and passionate style that immediately draws the Wizard’s attention, who quickly flourishes a multitude of plans for this young prodigy, who he renames August Rush.
Contrary to the business plans of his newfound mentor, the Wizard, August’s sole wish is to create the music that will lead his parents to him. He plays every note with the earnest desire that they are calling out to them.
Having recently learned the truth of her son, Lyla begins her desperate search for him; meanwhile Louis begins a similar search for the love that he lost a dozen years ago. They begin to return to their musical natures, playing and enjoying their art after so many years of emotional discord.
Their music is the indestructible bond that they share; the fateful guides that will ultimately draw them to each other.
The cinematography is done beautifully in concert to the intensity of the emotions that the music draws forth. The acting is executed perfectly with a casting that brings together an array of actors who create a very natural and believable feel to their characters.
Director Kristen Sheridan has brought us a masterpiece of visual and aural beauty that captivates the hearts of its viewers.
I agree completely. It deserves a 5-star rating, a truly enchanting masterpiece The music of the language in the opening line made me want to read the article and see the movie. Wonderful review! beautifully written. I'm definitely finding time to see this movie. Thanks!  Good job on the review!!! |
