August Rush (2007)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Kirsten Sheridan

Writers (WGA):

Nick Castle (screenplay) and
James V. Hart (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

21 November 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Music | Romance

Tagline:

An incredible journey moving at the speed of sound

Plot:

A drama with fairy tale elements, where an orphaned musical prodigy uses his gift as a clue to finding his birth parents.

Plot Keywords:

Band | Biological Mother | Orchestra | New York | Musician

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 3 wins & 8 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Tue. Oct. 14	12:00 PM	HBO
Sun. Oct. 19	1:00 PM	HBO
Fri. Oct. 24	10:00 AM	HBO

Cast

Freddie Highmore	...	Evan Taylor - '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
Mykelti Williamson	...	Reverend James
Leon G. Thomas III	...	Arthur (as Leon Thomas III)
Aaron Staton	...	Nick
Alex O'Loughlin	...	Marshall
Jamia Simone Nash	...	Hope
Ronald Guttman	...	Professor
Bonnie McKee	...	Lizzy
Michael Drayer	...	Mannix

MPAA:

Rated PG for some thematic elements, mild violence and language.

Runtime:

114 min | Israel:100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Certification:

South Korea:All | Ireland:PG | UK:PG | Germany:6 (f) | Singapore:PG | Germany:6 | South Africa:A | Argentina:Atp | Taiwan:GP | Brazil:Livre | USA:PG (certificate no. 43048) | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

Robin Williams' performance as "Wizard" was reportedly inspired by rock star Bono.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The license plates on the cars in NYC have the design of the current New York License plates. However, the part of the movie where Louis is chasing Lyla is supposed to take place 11 yrs prior to present day, being 1995-1996. Those license plates were not issued until many years later, probably 1999-2000.

Quotes:

Lyla Novacek: I know it sounds crazy, but I can hear him! I swear I can hear him!

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: (2007-11-24)" (2007)

Soundtrack:

Something Inside

This modern Oliver-style plot has some of the best music around! The "artsy" approach is often mesmerizing, and will hold your interest from beginning to end.

I totally enjoyed this movie. The scenes have an appealing fantasy element, while at the same time, the plot manages to explore true-to-life human situations such as bullying of those who are different.

The music is incredible, and mostly consists of original scores. It includes gospel, rock and classical, seamlessly integrated in a new way that works extremely well.

The plot is somewhat predictable and possibly a little "sappy", but those elements are easily overcome by the moment-to-moment execution of the story. Think of a modernized "Oliver" with Robin Williams as Fagin to a group of homeless, musically talented kids...plus extra elements of romance and intrigue, and you will have a bit of an idea about this movie.

The three main characters are all physically "beautiful" people who manage to convey the story with a minimum of dialog. Additional characters, including Terrence Howard as the social worker, Jamia Simone Nash as the young girl in the church choir, and Leon G. Thomas as the young boy who befriends the musical prodigy, contribute strong performances and pizazz.

Someone sitting near me stated it is impossible for even a prodigy to learn music so quickly and at such a young age... However, this is not true. Check out Jay Greenberg, a young music student currently studying at Julliard. In the end, this movie is at least an endorsement and celebration of the significance of music in our lives and at most a transcendent, fun experience to watch.

I rarely like to see any movie more than once, but definitely want to see this again. Take the family…this is for children, teens and adults. Don't miss it is my recommendation!