Last year, more than any other in recent memory, brought back an old film genre from the brink of mainstream extinction: the musical. With the well-crafted and critically acclaimed outings Sweeny Todd and Once to revive the genre, it really is no surprise. We now add another to this list, the feel good movie of the 2007: August Rush.
With an impeccable cast that includes Jonathan Rhys-Myers, Keri Russell, Robin William, Terrance Howard, and the ever-adorable Freddie Highmore. Each actor gives top-notch performances, especially Jonathan Rhys-Myers, who wowed us with his impressive vocals. Though it is apparent that the rest of the leading cast either partially performed or mimed their musical bits, they make them seem fairly convincing. The supporting cast is filled with huge musical talent, including several prodigies, and make for memorable performances and characters. The story is music, more than any other film, perhaps ever. It is woven into every aspect of the feature, and becomes a central character.
There are certain low points in the overall plot and some archetypes that should have been a little more fleshed out. The journey for August is easily the most compelling, as it should be. However, the predictability for the remainder of the cast was somewhat of a letdown, but does not detract too much from this great little movie.
There is another point that should be stated here: Freddie Highmore. He is in danger of becoming a ‘child star’ at this point in his career. His list of film credits is quite the list of fairy tales: Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and now August Rush. Now at 16-years old, he should start looking at more mature roles, so as not to fall out of the public eye as have many others. We here at the Movie Space hope to see his face on our screens for years to come, as he is a unique and capable actor, here’s to hoping he makes some ‘risky’ choices in the future.
If you enjoy family, adventure, and a heart-warming tale of the healing power of music, be sure to see August Rush at the next possible interval.
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Tue, Mar 11, 2008
DVD