2008 Woodie Awards
Music focus enriches mediocre acting job
Four Stars
Charlie Peppers
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: FUSE
Originally published: 11/29/07 at 6:43 PM EST
Last update: 11/29/07 at 6:41 PM EST
- Page 1 of 2 next >
You can't help but smile at this beautifully orchestrated movie.
There is one key element that strings all of this film's wayward characters together - music.
In fact, the central character's parents were musicians that had little in common aside from the notes that flowed from their instruments.
Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) was a disciplined cellist. Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) was a soulful guitarist and lyricist, drawing inspiration from the ambience of New York City.
The characters meet when Louis beckons Lyla up onto the roof of a brownstone, promising her that the sounds of the city will be increased tenfold.
Before either of the strangers realizes it, they've been swept into a whirlwind romance and spend the night together.
Unfortunately, their socio-economic differences are the catalyst for their separation. Lyla's upper-class father drove a stake through the heart of their burgeoning romance. Intent on his daughter's success in the world of aristocratic mannerisms and cello strings, Lyla's father secretly signed her presumed-dead son up for adoption. Unbeknownst to Louis, he and Lyla's tryst produced a child.
Fast-forward eleven years, August Rush (Freddie Highmore), bright-spirited orphan, sits upright in his bed at night, pondering about his biological parents and the invigorating notes of music that he hears in his sleep.
Highmore is an impressive young actor. You'll quickly become fixated on this optimistic orphan who is on a mission to find his parents in the vast labyrinth of New York City. More importantly, you'll feel scared for him as he becomes temporarily trapped in the clutches of the "Wizard."
Robin Williams plays the "Wizard," a surprisingly sadistic and multi-faceted villain. Williams is well-known for playing the role of amiable father in most of his movies, from "Hook" to the more recent family film "RV."
However, Williams successfully channels his charm into a twisted role that could have easily been bleak and one-sided. "Wizard" is a street guitarist who offers food and shelter to impoverished children in exchange for profits in their musical endeavors.
There is one key element that strings all of this film's wayward characters together - music.
In fact, the central character's parents were musicians that had little in common aside from the notes that flowed from their instruments.
Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) was a disciplined cellist. Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) was a soulful guitarist and lyricist, drawing inspiration from the ambience of New York City.
The characters meet when Louis beckons Lyla up onto the roof of a brownstone, promising her that the sounds of the city will be increased tenfold.
Before either of the strangers realizes it, they've been swept into a whirlwind romance and spend the night together.
Unfortunately, their socio-economic differences are the catalyst for their separation. Lyla's upper-class father drove a stake through the heart of their burgeoning romance. Intent on his daughter's success in the world of aristocratic mannerisms and cello strings, Lyla's father secretly signed her presumed-dead son up for adoption. Unbeknownst to Louis, he and Lyla's tryst produced a child.
Fast-forward eleven years, August Rush (Freddie Highmore), bright-spirited orphan, sits upright in his bed at night, pondering about his biological parents and the invigorating notes of music that he hears in his sleep.
Highmore is an impressive young actor. You'll quickly become fixated on this optimistic orphan who is on a mission to find his parents in the vast labyrinth of New York City. More importantly, you'll feel scared for him as he becomes temporarily trapped in the clutches of the "Wizard."
Robin Williams plays the "Wizard," a surprisingly sadistic and multi-faceted villain. Williams is well-known for playing the role of amiable father in most of his movies, from "Hook" to the more recent family film "RV."
However, Williams successfully channels his charm into a twisted role that could have easily been bleak and one-sided. "Wizard" is a street guitarist who offers food and shelter to impoverished children in exchange for profits in their musical endeavors.
Be the first to comment on this story