Review of August (2008) by Sebastian J — 13 Jul 2008

There's nothing special in August to write home about, Austin Chick doesn't take any big risks with his characters in this film. The only character of interest is Tom (Hartnett), and Hartnett does deliver a gracious performance about a man torn between his pride and his devotion to his brother.

I really didn't think Josh Hartnett could act until I saw this movie. He really carries it. Having David Bowie, Naomie Harris, Robin Tunney, Rip Torn and Emmanuelle Chriqui as supporting cast mates certainly doesn't hurt. But we get no more development of any of their characters, which is fine, it's just the main characters Tom and Joshua (Adam Scott) are interesting, but not that interesting enough to make this film great.

Maybe I'm being too hard on this film, expecting more than it could have been. It was good, after all. But it did lack certain things that make films go from good to great. It lacked any style, any grace. It also lacked that emotional pull only great films ever achieve. But for all it is lacking it does have, good performances from good actors, and a good resolution that will leave you satisfied.