Music of the Heart

August Rush, as described by co-star Keri Russell, “is a really beautiful, romantic, perfect like, fall movie.”

I’m inclined to agree with Russell, whom I believe can do no wrong, except I feel like the movie is trying much too hard to be all of these things – beautiful, romantic…perfect.

It really shouldn’t have tried so hard because, even though it all works, I can see how some people might find the effort a bit excessive.

The fantasy that enlivens August Rush just is too convenient for its own good. Is that cynical a thing to say? How’s this: One person’s schmaltz is another’s…well, whatever’s the opposite – and that’s just swell. And I mean that.

Young Freddie Highmore plays the title role, an a.k.a. his musical prodigy 12-year-old character goes by in his search for his long-lost parents, cellist Lyla Novacek (Russell) and Irish singer-songwriter Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers).

Lyla and Louis met on a moonlit rooftop above Washington Square, where they fell in love. But her strict father interfered with the relationship and the two never saw each other again.

Disheartened, Louis found it impossible to continue singing and playing his guitar and eventually abandoned his music, while Lyla, her own hopes for love lost, was led to believe months later that she had lost their unborn baby in a car accident.

But the baby lived, and grew up to become an unusually gifted boy who believes in music the way some people believe in fairy tales.

He reckons his parents are out there, looking for him, so he sets out to search for them. Determined to find them, he makes his way to New York City, where he’s taken in by the enigmatic Wizard (Robin Williams).

Unbeknownst to August, circumstances beyond their control have put Lyla and Louis on his path, and they, too, are searching for the family they lost many years ago.

The three listen to the music that surrounds them, and to the music within, to meet again and be together as one.

And yes – it is all really beautiful, romantic, and really quite perfect.

My Rating ***

Photo: Warner Bros.