August Rush: Of Course, It's A Fantasy
Posted at 03:10, 2007-Nov-29 in Movie Madness
When we go to movies, we must remember that everything has its own place. These places can be labeled as genres and we can put everything into a genre; music, movies, books, standards, beliefs - the list goes on. I say this because there are too many critics that don’t take things for what they are.
August Rush, is an excellent example of this. Although Kristen Sheridan (In America) had taken on the project of this dream come true kind of movie, she must have known what she was getting herself into. Yes, she was trying to tug at your heartstrings. Yes, she was aware of what type of story this was going to be. Most of all, she knew exactly who would enjoy this type of movie.
Many critics have written their opinions that unfortunately only liken to being gagged with sentiment or dying a slow death. Harsh as these reviews have been, much of their words have truth in it. However, knowing that people have different preferences, I encourage you to find out what this movie personally brings to you.
August Rush is the tale of a young orphan boy (Freddie Highmore) whose only desire is to be found by his parents, a young gifted cellist (Keri Russell) and a romantic Irish guitarist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). He believes that they will find him if he plays the music he hears everywhere around him.
I must say that the casting director did a very good job with putting together this attractive family. We are lucky enough to have another movie to showcase Highmore’s talent and angelic face. (Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory just wasn’t enough.) He is a realistic creation of Meyers and Russell with those soft features. Russell is also perfect with her eyes of purity to play the intelligent yet delicate Lyla and you can’t help but drool over Meyers’ good looks; Perfect for a sensitive rock star.
However, the story itself isn’t as realistic. Russell and Meyers’ characters meet each other on a rooftop and immediately fall in love while hearing someone play “Moondance” on the harmonica. Russell never sees Meyers again because of her strict and overprotective father and Meyers’ character is heartbroken. Years pass with Russell’s character having been with child. Unfortunately, Russell’s father in the movie (William Sadler) secretly gives the child away after she is involved with in a car accident. Without either person knowing about the child’s existence, Russell’s character is depressed with the loss of her son and Meyers is just as upset with his loss of his true love and has given up on music.
That’s also exactly what makes this movie its own. Sure, you may think this doesn’t even compare to Mr. Holland’s Opus, but it’s not trying to be that movie. Some might say there's not enough "twist" for this "Oliver" story, but it’s just another tale that gives you hope through music. It’s not tugging at your heart for the number one spot.
If it’s not realistic to you as a viewer, then put it in the fantasy genre. (Effects with nature and coincidence give the atmosphere a supernatural feeling.) This movie is somewhat an urban fairytale. Is it any better now? Whatever your answer may be, just remember that everyone has grown up with Disney’s fairytales. You don’t see everyone knocking the Cinderella story.
- sl