August Rush – A Movie Review
Year of Release - 2007 Rated : PG Duration : 1 hour 54 minutes
Based on Paul Castro and Nick Castle’s story, this is an evocative drama of life, loss, music, miracles and love. Revolving around a deserted young boy who is yearning for parental love and affection, it resembles Charles Dickens’ famed ‘Oliver Twist.’
One day in New York, a charming young Irish guitarist Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) meets a beautiful cellist Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell). Their one-night stand ends like a dream. And she gets pregnant. But, torn apart by circumstances, they live separately. When the pregnant Lyla is hit by a car and gives birth prematurely. Her father (William Sadler), gives the infant for adoption but tells his daughter that the baby died. Shattered, she relocates to Chicago, where she teaches music. Louis, too, gives up music, opting for a business career in San Francisco.
Meanwhile, the orphaned young boy, Evan Taylor (Freddie Highmore) grows-up as a musical prodigy. A kind social worker (Terrence Howard) urges Evan into family placement, but the 11-year-old boy never gives up hope of finding his parents through music. His musical gifts explode when he comes to New York. Observing the natural sound of everyday life, the young prodigy feels the music, which resonates, in his head. Roaming on the roadside, he meets a young street musician who gives shelter in his place, which is run by the evil-minded ‘Wizard Wallace (Robin Williams). Nicknamed ‘August Rush,’ Evan performs soulful music on the street for his guardian ‘Wizard’ to earn meager sum.
The evil-natured Wizard even creates a bottleneck for August Rush performing with the prestigious New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Will he break the clutches of the evil force and join with his parents again?
In spite of surrounded by big stars, the young boy Freddie Highmore delivers scintillating performance.
Robin Williams' performance as "Wizard" was reportedly inspired by rock star Bono.
In this musical odyssey, you can witness a melodious cello concerto, pulsating rock, soothing gospel, strumming guitar, symphonic orchestra and more.
Asserting the power of love, this poetic tale of relationship touches our heart with its flawlessly composed, euphonious music.
by
Srini