August Rush

One would imagine that the depressing-when-you-think-about-it world of Dickensian literature would be even direr and saddening when transported to the here and now. Yet AUGUST RUSH completely rejects that notion. A music-driven update of OLIVER TWIST without most of the strife and with extra heart to spare, the film is nonsensical but charming and touching to those willing to go with it. The titular character says, “I believe in music the way some people believe in fairy tales”, which aptly describes the entire film in itself. A fairy tale about the power of love through music.

Evan Taylor (the seemingly unaging Freddie Highmore) is an orphan believes that his parents are still alive and looking for him. But he doesn’t cling to a hope, he knows for sure; he can hear them in the music that surrounds him. Realizing that he’ll have to move into the outside world so his parents can hear him, he runs away from his small-town orphanage and into the crazed midst of New York City. As the beginnings of Evan’s story are told, we are given the story of his birth; a one-night romance between an Irish rocker (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a classical cellist (Keri Russell), whose connection is inspired by a harmonica/guitar rendition of Van Morrison’s “Moondance”. In the present day, Evan’s mother, believing her son dead, lives a meager existence. When the truth is revealed to her, she begins a frantic search to find him. His father is also on the search, desperately trying to track down the source of his inspiration. All the while, Evan’s astounding musical talents are being cultivated by his very own Fagin, a cowboy named Wizard (Robin Williams), who gives him the stage name “August Rush” and sets him on his way to fame.

The story owes more to OLIVER TWIST than mere inspiration; it’s practically a remake. Yet none of Dickens’ urgency is present, and though August faces problem after problem, there’s never a doubt in our minds that all will turn out well. August is actually pretty lucky for an orphan living alone in New York City. Not only does he find a homeless guardian who is not a pedophile, even though he has a horde of young children in his care, his extraordinary gift seems to instantly dispel any punishment coming his way. Near the finale, when the film attempts to create a villain, it suffers. Sure, August is sad, but everything is going to be all right. This, along with most of the film, will be eye-rollingly nonsensical and irritating to some, but the film has a few key elements that manage to retain the viewer’s attention.

Chief among them are the performances of Highmore and Russell. Ever since 2004’s FINDING NEVERLAND, Highmore has proven to be today’s premier child actor. His wide blue eyes practically dare people not to care. And with all the eyes-to-the-skies looks of hope that he and the other characters give in nearly every scene, it’s difficult not to be affected. As for Russell, although she’s been in the public eye for nearly ten years, 2007 will be remembered as her breakout year. Along with her performance in WAITRESS, she is quickly proving to be a great dramatic actress. Her clear, open face gives her an instant likeability reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn. The film’s giant plot holes (there are many) don’t seem so obvious we see Russell’s heart breaking over his missing son.

As it is expected in a film so tightly driven by music, Mark Mancina’s score is a focus in most of the film. He acquits himself well, blending the sounds of everyday living cleverly into the score. The centerpiece of his writing is the focus of the film’s finale, and thanks to Mancina’s sweeping and inspirational music, becomes genuinely affecting. Yes, it may even produce tears.

The key to enjoying this film is to suspend your disbelief and completely abandon common sense. The film is designed as a fairy tale, and though the fantastical elements are extremely muted, it should be treated as such. Director Kirsten Sheridan fills the screen with pretty images that, though overwrought at times, serve to heighten the light nature of the story. AUGUST RUSH is not a life changing experience, but it’s a charming little diversion that once again proves how much power love and music can have.

***/****