August Rush Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
An incredible journey moving at the speed of sound
The story of a charismatic young Irish guitarist and a sheltered young cellist who have a chance encounter one magical night above New York's Washington Square, but are soon torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, August Rush, orphaned by circumstance. Now performing on the streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious stranger, August uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth.
| Freddie Highmore | August Rush |
| Keri Russell | Lyla Novacek |
| Jonathan Rhys Meyers | Louis Connelly |
| Terrence Howard | Richard Jeffries |
| Robin Williams | Maxwell 'Wizard' Wallace |
| William Sadler | Thomas Novacek |
| Marian Seldes | The Dean |
| Leon G. Thomas III | Arthur |
| Mykelti Williamson | Reverend James |
| Aaron Staton | Nick |
| Alex O'Loughlin | Marshall |
| Jamia Simone Nash | Hope |
| Ronald Guttman | Professor |
| Bonnie McKee | Lizzy |
| Michael Drayer | Mannix |
| Kirsten Sheridan |
7.30 out of 10 (1973 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Just a wonderful movie!
posted on 26 Aug 2009It's been a while since I walked out of a movie with a tear in my eye feeling like I really got my monies worth. Even though the plot becomes obvious early in the film it's so well acted that you really get sucked in. The kid playing August was amazing and really sold me on the part. Robin Williams also does a great job and leaves you in suspense during most of the movie as to whether he's actually a good guy or protagonist. In fact I'm still thinking about that one. The soundtrack was just marvelous as well, I'm still getting chills recalling the interplay between the scenes of the mother and father (and later August) playing as their individual music slowly blends into one score, it was just amazing how well it worked. This is one DVD I'm definitely buying for the collection and I can't say that about too many these days.
Beautiful
posted on 24 Aug 2009Beautiful is the only word I feel does justice in describing this film. If it does not sweep the Oscars, something is just plain wrong. The acting, music, and photography were incredible. Did I mention the music? The music was a character in it's own right. I have never seen a more beautifully orchestrated movie. It flowed, it flowed off the screen and out of the speakers through the air and through the soul. I was so caught up that I forgot that this was just a movie. But what a movie. This one will definitely be added to the collection. I haven't seen a good tear-jerker in a long time and this one rates right up there.
Fabulous film featuring fabulous Freddie.
posted on 24 Aug 2009Director Kirsten Sheriden and screenplay writers Paul Castro, Nick Castle and James.V.Hart have succeeded with flying colours in delivering a poignant and captivating real life tale that possesses a beautiful feeling of magic without – most astonishingly – the aid of a novel.The awe-inspiring Freddie Highmore (from stunning successes such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Arthur and the Invisibles and this year's The Golden Compass) brings his charming essence to the film as he devotedly plays the title character – an audiophile with whom we can all relate. Eleven-year-old August can realise beauty in every sound he hears and believes that: "Music is all around us. All you have to do is listen." With this unique philosophy and strong passion he could well become the greatest musician in the world. But sadly our delightful young hero has spent all his life in a strict, ramshackle orphanage that maliciously tries to prevent a single spark of hope or desire from flourishing.Then one fateful day he is gently talked into escaping the harsh and horridly restraining prison and follows the path of sound. Along the way he is helped by the faithful church community and steered of course by a cold greedy villain who calls himself 'Wizard' (the wonderful Robin Williams) into a gang of unruly, street type buskers but even so he moves on in the hope of at last finding his long lost mother (Kerri Russell) and father (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) who aren't doing too well either.With its entrancing all-star cast and a firm command over its audience's heart and mind it's no surprise that this majestic masterpiece is an academy award nominee. Co-stars Terrence Howard and William Sadler.
Terrible
posted on 20 Aug 2009August Rush was utter garbage disguised as a heartwarming musical fairytale. I've generally liked Freddie Highmore in previous films, however he was completely unconvincing here as a musical prodigy (did anyone else wonder how he could play guitar just by beating the strings and neck?)and did nothing except flash cheesy smiles throughout the film. Everything else from the stupid and predictable plot, to the acting, to the nauseating script, to Robin Williams impersonating Bono was awful. The editing will give you a complete headache and the music will get on your nerves. Seriously people, avoid this film. It is that bad.
See this movie!!
posted on 18 Aug 2009I don't have a lot to say except to repeat the summary.. See this movie. Everything caught me up in it, the acting..the story and the sweet, sweet soundtrack. I came right home, logged into iTunes and bought the whole album. Seriously. The character of August Rush was so endearing he just made me want to snatch him up and take him home myself. Some say it might be a little 'too sweet' but you know what? With the real world bogging me down with depressing headlines all the time, who doesn't need something a little too sweet sometimes? I highly suggest you run right out right now! Right now!! And see it. Don't wait for rental...see it now!
Great modern day re-make of "Oliver Twist"!
posted on 18 Aug 2009I loved this movie! It was like watching my own life as a boy and as I still am, with imagination and the integrity to stand up for what you believe in and not let anyone take you down!A boy is separated from his family believing that some one cares about him and there are people trying to track him down, both the good ones and the bad! About the movie: Very fun and entertaining! Mild, VERY mild! content that might offend some people, but based upon what I see in most movies these days if a movie could even be rated as "G", this one should!Please remember that August says that he can hear the MUSIC which is every sound that he hears! (everything he can understand!!) This is important to get the meaning of this movie and get the best feeling out of the climax!!!!
One of my new favorites
posted on 18 Aug 2009A quote from the movie.. "I believe in music the way some people believe in fairy tales." I would also add my own short comments. Blending of two music genres into one beautiful song. The thought that I might be meant to be more than I was born into. The universe has a magic which only some people can hear. That even the most extreme of circumstances that you find yourself in can be the stepping stone you needed to a very important goal you do not fully understand. If any of those tug at your heart, then watch this movie and gain the feeling that someone understood you. I would like to see it redone but until then I do not wish to lose track of this wonderful story.
It's not bad but it did not convince me too much
posted on 16 Aug 2009August Rush is not a bad movie but it has various failed points.Let's see them.First of all,the magic realism this movie uses is a cheap trick for telling a story without too much logic and which also is badly raised.Robin Williams brings a horribly irritating performance.Do not misunderstand me.I think Williams is a brilliant actor but his performance in here is inappropriate for the movie.Still,it's not a bad movie.Freddie Highmore brings a good performance and he shows charisma for his role and the movie brings a good and valid message.August Rush has a lot of fails but,still with that,it's not a bad film.I think I can recommend it if you are looking for something entertaining and nothing else.
Macigal!
posted on 12 Aug 2009I know that you can look at a movie and say it's just a movie. I just couldn't do that with this one. It's just like an amazing painting, that if you look at it and pay attention, you will go beyond the flaws and errors in the technical part of it. Instead you will be taken to a place where the colors combine to make this awesome picture where your imagination can run free. I was just captured by that same feeling in this movie. It's really a fairytale, something that maybe only in movies can exist, but it's so well put together that by the end of it, you'll want to believe that it's true. You'll want it to be true! More than so, the casting was amazing. I could not see better people suited for this film. If you want to see a movie that will reassure you that nothing is impossible and that you can reach anything you set your mind to, even if it seems beyond all hope, that look no further. Because that is just what this movie has done for me, it has given me hope. Hope in myself, hope in humanity, hope that there is always a way to make it. I certainly hope, that it can do the same for you!
A Beautiful Movie, Overcomes its Underlying Flaws
posted on 08 Aug 2009First of all I want to make it clear that I absolutely loved this movie. The story is very beautiful and moving. But the key to enjoying this movie is to realize that it is a fairy tale and not a typical drama or thriller. Anyone familiar with musical theater or opera are used to suspending their normal skepticism to unlikely or even impossible plot situations and instead enjoying the heightened emotional reality that is portrayed. This movie is not about clever plot twists or dialogue. It is about the power of music and of love. Those ideas are more important than even the characters in this movie. For those of you who can not stomach the idea of that, then this movie is not for you. But for those of you who enjoyed "Across the Universe," "Big Fish," "Moulin Rouge," hey, even "Il Postino" then you will probably have the artistic maturity to enjoy this film.Being a professional musician and music teacher gave me in an interesting perspective on this film. On the one hand, I can fully appreciate what the character Evan is implying with his line "The music is all around you, all you have to do is listen." Music is simply sound, repeating vibrations in the air that are caused by all things that move. Our music was at some point in the beginning derived from the sounds of nature, and I could tell that the composer tried to make the soundtrack sound initially more "natural" by using a lot of open octaves and fifths, the kind of harmony that is by far most prevalent in nature. I was also deeply touched by the idea that the music "of one's soul" could attract another person. The ancient Greeks believed in "the music of the planets" and the music of one's soul, in addition to our "audible" music. The philosophers Plato, Boethius, Aristotle and others came up with the "doctrine of ethos" which lies at the heart of this movie: that the harmonies of nature and the mind are inter-related with and affect the harmonies we create and enjoy in music. The fact that music alone can elicit emotions in us proves that at least some of this ancient philosophy is true.On the other hand, listening in closer to the soundtrack leaves me a little disappointed. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is just barely good enough of a singer to get by as a professional musician--even for a rock singer--and his versions of "Moondance" and "Something Inside" start to sound like open mic at a karaoke night. And I was sad to listen later to "August's Rhapsody" and find it is full of cinematic music cliché's and uninspired harmonic movement. But I did not notice any of these things when I watched the movie (which is amazing for me) because of the effectiveness of the gestalt of the movie. With a little effort to curb a desire to nit-pick, I enjoyed this movie so much that I would say it is one of the best I have ever seen.
Music And Drama
posted on 06 Aug 2009A charismatic young Irish guitarist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a sheltered young cellist (Keri Russell) have a chance encounter one magical night above New York's Washington Square, but are soon torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, orphaned by circumstance. Years later, performing on the streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious stranger (Robin Williams) who gives him the name August Rush, the child (Freddie Highmore) uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth. This movie was really good.The cast was awesome and so was the music.I wonder if they did there own singing. August Rush 7/10
Great for the whole family!
posted on 02 Aug 2009Sure, it may be cheesy, and a bit corny, but love, redemption, reunions of a family with fairytale scripts and a GREAT ENDING makes the popcorn taste better and the silly tears on your face as the credits roll by last a bit longer as you replay the ending 5 or 6 times. A hopeless and happy romantic and a sap for movies like this? You Bet! The music was great and while you may have to suspend belief a bit here and there, it's OK. Miracle on 34th Street doesn't hold any less importance to me knowing Santa does not exist as I have matured, but the spirit of the idea does in my heart. So wanting to see a family reunited and seeing the large strings they tug so plainly is again alright with me.
Yellow Bricks Heard
posted on 31 Jul 2009There are three kinds of film that I value and treat differently: those who truly leverage dance, space or sound. I have not yet found one that exploits mathematical space, and would add that when it appears, probably from Ruiz and Greenaway who come close.Of those three, we have some interesting and a few lifealtering dance movies. We have some successful experiments with space. But its music that seems the most challenging, and I think the reason is obvious: if you want a great film it has to be cinematic — you have to get the world visually first. Everything else is annotation.But what is cinematic sound? Does the fact that we are trained to not acknowledge a film score work against us? Is it possible to host such a bold experiment in a sappy, mainstream wrapper, with holy cow Robin Williams?It seems so. Yes, I will advise that you have to actively ignore the pull, the drive of this thing and all the plot, characters and acting associated with it, and simply revel in the notion that the urges in this film are all sonic. Yes, I found some of the visual expressions of inner music silly, just as I do with mathematical urge. But they tried; they built an entire project uncompromisingly around the idea of music as an urge....And not just an urge, but one integrated into the wheels of fate and justice that control the noir dynamics of modern film. Yes, we know the family will be reunited. Yes, we know all urges will find the path to the happy ending. But this is such a unique effect that it makes all the deficiencies worthwhile. I was excited by this film, and having seen it remain excited. See it. Help advance the cause.Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
Another surprise movie...
posted on 21 Jul 2009Okay – I have to face it… Maybe, just maybe quality of US produced movies is on the rise again. First Bella, now August Rush.Movieworld doesn't only exist of Blockbuster movies and both of these movies show that there's more than Batman, Spiderman, the incredible boring Hulk and 300 bags of fake muscles running around on the screen.August Rush is a modern version of Oliver Twist combined with great music and believable acting. I guess nothing beats Charles Dickens when it comes to story telling.I loved how the various styles of music were brought together and literally superimposed over each other. The first 30-45 minutes were a bit confusing and I didn't really get it – and that's actually what I like about movies – they need to have some unpredictable ingredients – as life generally is full of surprises.The last 45 minutes were a lot more predictable and hence less interesting to me personally. However I couldn't stop watching and the movie is a must see from the beginning to the very end.I can only praise this movie and hope to see a lot more coming from this producer, as I enjoyed the technique, the shots and well – everything really.For me I think this movie sits somewhere between an eight and a nine, but as I have to make a choice I went for a nine!
Make sure the cinema has a good sound system
posted on 19 Jul 2009Fine, this movie is sappy, predictable too, but it's good none the less. There are contrivances and coincidences but then it is at heart a fairy tale. So accept it as one, dear critics, and don't rant.If you're going to see it, make sure the cinema has a good sound system because an alternative title could have been "The glory of music". You get: cello concerto, pulse-rousing rock, a cappella gospel spiritual, strumming guitar, lofty organ, full orchestra symphonic sound and more.The plot is simple. Two musicians, he a rock vocal-and-guitarist and she a classic cellist, fell in love at first sight (very fairy tale, yes) and got pregnant (one of them, anyway) at their first night of romance. Taken away by her typical upper-class father and later giving premature birth, the girl was led to believe that it was a stillbirth. The story is about how the boy, after 11 years in an orphanage, runs away and eventually finds the parents through their magical link – music.There is no point going through the rest of the story, which has been torn to shreds by many critics who, unfortunately, are barking up the wrong tree. The plot is but a convenient vehicle to expound the main theme: the glory of music. One thing however that should be mentioned is a Fagin character (Dicken's "Oliver Twist") played by Robin Williams, as I have more to say about him. The movie is as predictable as one can make, but that is not a problem.Freddie Highmore (Charlie in the recent remake of Willy Wonker's Chocolate Factory) appears to be on his way to becoming the next Haley Joel Osment. Some critics complain that there is not enough "expression" from him, whatever that means. But he is playing a very exceptional human being, maybe the only musical prodigy with such talents since Mozart. A large part of his world is immersed in sounds, both natural and unnatural, in a way no other human being can fully comprehend. Highmore's interpretation of the character is just fine. Jonathan Rhys Meyers' rock musician father reminds me of Joaquin Phoenix in "Walk the line", and I can't help but think that maybe Meyers will make a good Johnny Cash too had he been given the role. In this movie, there is one scene, the first encounter of father and son (unknown to each other) that might have been a re-run of the legendary banjo-guitar duet in "Deliverance", with good effects. Keri Russell, who was the oldest of the four sisters in "The upside of anger", does a good job with the sympathy winning mother. Terrence Howard who did so well playing against Jodi Foster in "The brave one" is, unfortunately, completely underutilized here.I do have one complaint, and this has to do with Robin Williams' character. It is as if the movie makers have gone into split personality that they project into the character. It is almost a disgrace at the end to turn him back into a greedy Fagin just to feed the cheap, common run-and-chase scene. The "Wizard" (William's character), Fagin notwithstanding, is after all the boy's first music teacher. His detestation for the classical mode does not take anything away from his passion for music. It would elevate the movie to another level if at the eleventh hour, he changes his mind and let the boy go freely to follow his dreams, classical music or not. That would ring true with the central theme of "the glory of music". Wonder if Williams had ever complained about this.
Lyrical, magical, emotional - a winning fable
posted on 15 Jul 2009A very special film with unique qualities, "August Rush" wins your heart with strong performances from adorable Freddie Highmore as the orphan with the puppy-dog eyes and massive talent, charismatic Jonathan Rhys Meyers and gorgeous Keri Russell as the lovers torn apart by circumstances. An utterly original modern-day fable with elements of "Oliver Twist," the plot normally would be considered totally implausible, but director Kirsten Sheridan makes it work -- because you root for these characters. And who doesn't want to believe in happily ever after, especially when you become so emotionally invested? With its emphasis on music as both a life-changing element and a lifeline, the film uses its excellent soundtrack as dialogue. The rhythms of everyday life become part of the score, and the eclectic mix of songs works well. Mark Mancina provided original music. The performers are perfect for their roles. Russell, so good as TV's "Felicity," brings a classiness and intelligence to every part she plays. Dublin-born Meyers, who channeled the young vibrant Elvis in a CBS mini-series a few years ago, winning a Golden Globe, is always interesting on screen. And Highmore, who first came to prominence in "Finding Neverland" and then starred as the lead in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," is one of the most gifted child actors around. The cast also includes Terrence Howard as a sympathetic child services worker, pint-sized Jamia Simone Nash as a powerhouse vocalist, Mykelti Williams as a kind minister, and Alex O'Loughlin of TV's "Moonlight" as Lewis' brother Marshall. An interesting note, Meyers' real brother, Jamie O'Keefe, plays drums in the Connellys band. (Meyers used his mother's maiden name when he became an actor instead of O'Keefe). Kirsten Sheridan, daughter of the famed director Jim Sheridan, knows how to build suspense but the payoff might not fit everyone's idea of a good movie. She also co-wrote the outstanding "In America," and has a knack for working with kids and finding the lyricism in storytelling. Music can change your life. And because it's the driving force of the film, the sound is exceptional, as is the film's lush look. "August Rush" is very uplifting, and rich with metaphors about the simplicity and beauty of music. If you believe, just go with the flow, and you'll be smiling while your eyes mist up, for it's a hopeful and heartwarming story that you don't find too often in our jaded, cynical world.
A must watch film :)
posted on 13 Jul 2009In recent times i watched over 1000 movies that included crappy ones like The objective, Wisegal etc. and now i saw August Rush. It was like a rainfall in desert. A movie which is a complete mixture of love, emotions, romance, frustration, giving-up, passion, determination, determination and yes of course desire. A fantabolous casting with awesome performances made this movies a movie of life-time. I watched this keeping certain things in my mind like it will of those musical crabs which doesn't even reflect the purity of music. Thought it will be just a past-killer cracker but for the first time in my life i loved to be disappointed. As the time was passing i was worried that it is going to end soon which i never wanted and when it ended i was left with a smile of satisfaction. A movie which can be seen by any age group but gives only one lesson to everyone of them that is "never give up". This movies just gives u an inspiration. The character August Rush/Evan Taylor was perfectly casted so do the others but to the hats off.
Extreme caution
posted on 09 Jul 2009If you have absolutely no clue about making music or art you probably will catch the fairy tale wave and be carried away by this movie. But be warned, if you have the slightest sense of playing music yourself or are an artist, it is more likely that you find this movie ridiculous or are even offended (like some of the other postings stated)My only explanation of this very mixed movie (great premise/story, some of the actors great, but everything else quite a mess) is what must be the inexperience and ignorance of the director. There is a reason why good directors and actors spend weeks on studying character/environment. Because if you don't, you run the risk of creating something laughable that isn't a comedy.This movie is neither art nor does it portray art very well. It's as cheesy as a fast food double cheese burger can get without the burger and the bun and as valuable. Too bad for this great story.
Was gobsmacked by true awfulness
posted on 05 Jul 2009I have only myself to blame for ending up in a cinema watching this. I knew absolutely nothing about it before turning up and thought I'd give it a go.I can't believe that people are still making such utterly nauseating schmaltz. It's not even feelgood schmaltz, it's schmaltz of the lowest quality, which makes you want to grab the 2 hours of your life back spent watching it. The only reason we stayed until the end was out of purely scientific curiosity to see quite how bad the film could get.The plot was laughable and all the performances were either unremarkable or really quite bad.Honestly, give it a miss and spend your time staring into space instead - it would be much more worthwhile.
This is a fantasy pure & simple.
posted on 28 Aug 2009August Rush is one of those films that must be considered as pure fantasy. This gem is a combined,comedy,dramatic fantasy love story, with some first rate music.All this comes about by the excellent acting, Freddie Highmore, has charmed us already stealing scenes from Johnny Depp,(& thats hard to do)..Jonathan Rhys Myers adds another lusterous performance to he resume, He also sings a few songs.Kerri Russell is our charming heroine.Robin Williams has a nice role as well,& for a change he is somewhat subdued. Of course Freddie Highmore steals scenes from him & Robon let him get away with it.The story is pure fantasy, nothing is real except of the players/. Musically it is also excellent, a combination of classical & pop..A worthwhile film for the entire family.Ratings ***1/2 (out of 4) 96 points (out of 100 IMDb 9(out of 10)