Review of August Rush (2007) by Abdulaziz A — 06 Feb 2013

A drama with fairy tale elements... sounds like a good idea doesn't it. It had potential and I can see why people would enjoy a film like this but it was way too cringe worthy for me (and I can usually put up with a fair amount of cheese). The idea that no matter where these three characters (mom, pop and lil one) are they are connected and can hear each other's music is pretty far fetched. The fact that he is never adopted out because he doesn't want to be doesn't sit right and all in all I couldn't get into this film or it's characters because it was all too contrived. Robin Williams was quite effective as the Fagin type character with his band of youngsters who he milks for busking money - all of these kids mind you are homeless but have musical talents - go figure. Then we get to August Rush himself who is a musical prodigy which is fair enough but then come the awkward shots of Freddie Highmore "playing" the guitar - it is highly unbelievable.

So the lesson here is obviously suspend all logic when watching this. I enjoy fairy tales but there are still realistic elements be them large or small to ground the story; this is what lacked in August Rush. Pretty disappointed but then again did I ever have high expectations?