NOW IN THEATERS

AUGUST RUSH
Rated PG
Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard, Robin Williams


Brian’s Rating       

My first inclination is to tell you that August Rush is a sappy love story that surpasses any reasonable level of tolerance by the male of the species and is as predictable as an episode of Happy Days.

But let’s examine the film in checklist fashion and see how it scores.

Freddie Highmore as an undiscovered musical prodigy in search of his parents while on the lam from a boys' home? Cute, sympathetic and believable.

Jonathan Rhys Myers and Keri Russell as his parents? Passable at best, but pretty to look at.

Terrance Howard as a social worker? Underutilized.

Storyline? Basically Oliver Twist with an ending you can see coming from the lobby.

Robin Williams? Horribly miscast.

Soundtrack? The film's saving grace. An incredible array of music ranging from upbeat rhythms to haunting rhapsodies.

Visual look? Stunning New York locations, artfully shot and beautifully filmed.

Pace and tempo? From tedious to tempestuous with little or no warning.

Overall grade? C-.

Recommendation? Skip August Rush but watch the trailers on YouTube and buy the soundtrack.