'August Rush' is the name given to young Evan Taylor by Maxwell Wallace (Robin Williams), who teaches homeless musicians to become street performers.

But I'm jumping the gun here; let's start at the beginning. Freddie Highmore stars as Evan Taylor, who becomes the titular character. He lives in an orphanage, but he firmly believes his parents are still out there looking for him. His back story is told through back flashes and memories. His mother, the violinist Lyla Novacek, had a one-night stand with the lead singer of a rock band, Louis. I won't spoil why he ended up in the orphanage, but let's just say it was a series of events.

While it might not be the most believable story, I did find it rather captivating. Freddie Highmore is always a pleasure to watch, and I thought he did brilliantly in 'August Rush'. Being a musical prodigy, Evan (August) is able to hear music in everyday sounds. The film teaches us about the beautiful sounds all around us...if only we care to listen. Off course, the new generation only listen to the sounds coming from their mobile phones...(!)

The film has a very good score, and I loved the musical segments. I also enjoyed the (sort of) cliffhanger ending, instead of the film spoon feeding the audience as to 'what happens next'. Yes, it is might be a bit cheesy, but this is a feel-good movie after all and I liked it.

It's interesting to see the big divide between critic and audience ratings of 'August Rush'. According to the review site RottenTomatoes, 'August Rush' has an 82% rating from audiences, while critics only gave it 37%. Judging by the box office takings, I fully agree with the audience ratings. 'August Rush' earned $65.3 million on a $25 million budget. What's up with critics anyway...?

Would I watch it again? Yes.

(My Synopsis) Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) is a brilliant cellist who has just finish performing a concert in New York City. Lyla goes out on the town with her girlfriend and end up at a party near New York's Washington Square. She meets Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) an Irish guitar player. They share the love of music and end up falling in love and bonding together that night. It was the most wonderful night in Lyla's life. Lyla must rush back to the hotel where her father Thomas (William Sadler) is waiting for her. Lyla promised to meet Louis in Washington Square, but her father forces her to go to her next concert. They are like two ships that pass in the night, never to see each other again, except for the fact that Lyla is now with child. Sadly, Lyla is in a car accident and the unborn child is lost. Eleven years pass and Lyla's father is on his death bed, and he must tell her the truth that he secretly gave Lyla's baby boy up for adoption. August Rush (Freddie Highmore) is her child, who was born with the gift to hear music all around him. He believes that he will find his parents if they only hear his music, because they are truly bonded by their music.

(My Comment) The movie is a human interest story about a young boy's unyielding faith and will power to never give up on his dream. However, the probability of all the events that happen in this movie to make all the connections is a little unrealistic. The scenes have a fantasy element, while at the same time, manages to integrate real life events. There are some exceptional musical performances, especially from a young girl gospel singer named Hope (Jamia Simone Nash). The majority of the story is told through the emotions of the actors by means of their music. The acting was excellent and so was the classical, rock, and gospel music. I enjoyed the movie, but the story has a problem of the lack of believability. So if you go, just remember, it's only a movie. You will like the music and you may even shed a tear. (Warner Bros. Pictures, Run time 1:53, Rated PG) (6/10)

Amazing movie with an incredible story about a little boy who never gave up and kept faith.

I watched this several times with my mom, she loves it, and it is an excellent family movie. I recommend watch this with someone from your family because it is all about love between father/mother and son.

The main theme is family but it also provides music content, it is really interesting how someone can be so talented even with 7 years old. A child with a gift for music is something that can touch every heart and surprise the world

This movie taught me not to give up the people we love because if there is something to fight for.. is for them.