I’m willing to admit that my crush on Keri Russell may color my opinions on any movie that she’s in, but despite mediocre reviews, I can’t recommend August Rush enough.
Yahoo! Movies gives the movie an average critic rating of C-, yet the users weigh in at a B+. Why the disconnect between critics and viewers?
Hard to say, but the movie is a heartwarming fantasy, with a tad more realism than you may be accustomed to seeing in such tales.
There are a lot of actors who should be commended for their work on this film — among them: Robin Williams, Keri Russell, Freddie Highmore, Terrance Howard and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
At the end of the day, though, this is a movie full of supporting characters. Every character in the film is a supporting character to the music. To me, that’s really the crowning achievement of this film.
Many films have tried to capture music in video form, but this one really brings it to the forefront and makes it the star of the show. As we follow Highmore’s prodigy orphan Evan, we really get a glimpse of how musical prodigies must see the world, albeit a bit exaggerated for dramatic effect.
Robin Williams absolutely nails his role as the homeless ‘Wizard’ who exploits homeless children with musical talent to make some cash on the streets of New York.
He expertly walks a line between being a brigand and a guy who really doesn’t want these kids to see what he saw growing up. If Williams has deserved an Oscar nod for any movie since Good Will Hunting, this is it.
Freddie Highmore is truly magnificent as well. It’s hard to believe that a kid of his age could slough off his British accent to be completely believable as a orphaned New York youth. He’s the perfect embodiment of a musical prodigy, for he himself borders on being an film prodigy (if such a thing exists).
And then there’s Keri Russell.
One need not look hard to know that I have great admiration for Russell’s acting ability. Although I think Waitress was a bigger showcase for her this year, she did an amazing job in this role, pulling out all of the emotions that wash over her in this film with utter believability.
Keri Russell deserves an Oscar nomination. If I had my druthers, I’d offer it for Waitress vice this, but with two awe-inspiring performances for the year, the Academy would be foolish not to at least honor her with a nod.
The movie is a fantasy. There are details and facts that are glossed over to speed the film along. At first, you’ll notice them but by the time you get to the end, you won’t care anymore.
I watched this film in a tiny theater in Harrisonburg, VA and the audience was still into the movie. There were oohs and ahhs; hoots and hollers. I would never have expected an audience to be so engaged in a movie such as this.
Despite what the critics say, if you’re a fan of music — and by that I mean the true art of music — then you’ll love this film. There’s a story of love and destiny mixed up in it, but really it’s just a fun ride that you should sit back and enjoy.
Verdict: A