Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Cast: Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Robin Williams
Director: Kirsten Sheridan
Eleven years later, Evan Taylor Highmore runs away from the orphanage, saying he is 8220;following the music8221;. He tells everyone who cares that he believes his parents are alive and that it8217;s only through his music that he can find them.
It8217;s almost immediately that Evan 8212; renamed August Rush by Wizard Williams, who controls a group of street musician kids 8212; is discovered as a musical prodigy. He says he hears the music come to him, and by playing it, he is answering back.
By a collusion of circumstances, August and his parents all come together at a concert in New York one night, drawn by music, as the boy believed would happen. While almost fairy tale like in its story and the magic wand-like speed at which circumstances change, August Rush is compelling and moving. You never doubt August8217;s faith in music, or that it would do what he believes it will. A talented actor, Highmore8217;s joy in almost plucking out sounds from air and playing them is undeniable.
As his parents, Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers who has the most passionate eyes in the business can only stand back and marvel at the wonder of what they have created. The story beats to the rhythm of August8217;s heart, and everything else 8212; even Williams, who thankfully isn8217;t allowed to carry his Bono act to far 8212; has to make way.
Director Sheridan is intelligent enough to know it to be so. The star of this film is Highmore, and there is no denying him or his music.
