Review of August Rush (2007) by Ben L — 25 Jun 2017

I was very conflicted on August Rush. There were aspects I loved, some I hated, and some on which I just couldn't decide how I felt. I'll share at the end where my final opinion landed, for now let's break it down:

Loved it = I'm a sucker for this kind of story. The romance and lost child angle speaks to my heart right from the beginning. The fact that they all have this bond through music (that speaks to them in some way) works for me as well. It had potential to create a dramatically emotional conclusion, if they didn't decide to end it a bit early. I also like all the main cast members because they seem to have similar traits which make the relationships feel authentic. Finally, most of the music in the film is delightful, and it sells some of the aspects that otherwise wouldn't work for me.

Hated it = Listen, I like Robin Williams as much as anyone, but his character in August Rush is terrible. Every single scene he is in makes me want to turn the film off. His pseudo Fagin's Gang is ridiculous, and adds nothing to this story. Out of nowhere Williams becomes this manufactured obstacle for August, as if there wasn't enough for him to overcome. I also struggled with the movie's story structure. It didn't flow smoothly at times, and totally failed to give a proper perspective on the passage of time. If you told me the events of the film took place over only 5 days I would almost believe you.

Undecided on it = I'm all for movies about the magic of music, but August Rush might have taken it a bit too far. I like when a story embraces the ethereal power music can have, but some of the stuff it does for these characters seems so far-fetched. The fact that August is a prodigy makes sense, but could he really learn to read and write music in a matter of one afternoon? Is it possible for even the greatest natural musician to play a song as complex as he does the first time he ever lays a hand on a guitar? If I could just go with the magic and turn off my logical brain it might work.

I probably enjoyed August Rush more than it deserved. It's a flawed film, but there was something in it that I found myself embracing. I didn't love it, because of those aspects that bothered me, but I'd gladly watch it again and perhaps it will start growing on me.