August Rush

Have you ever watched a movie and felt that it struck a cord deep inside? The whole idea should offend me -- with the two side characters sleeping together -- but for some reason it's the real story that gets me. And the music.

A lot of people don't know that I used to sing. I say was because my voice has been going for the past couple of years. But in high school and college, I sang in choir, and loved it. Singing is such a joy, and music touches me in a way nothing else can. I asked a woman in my neighborhood who teaches voice lessons why my voice would be going -- she said that vocal chords are like any other muscle. When they aren't used frequently, they weaken. It's really sad, because I don't know how I sing less than I did before --but that was the only thing she could tell me. What was amazing, was at Christmas my stake had a music sing-a-long for the Halleluja chorus and I was able to hit every note. Even the high soprano ones -- it was a miracle. So...that's a quick blurb on my background.

This movie was wonderful. I've read reviews that said it was a re-make of the story OLIVER, and it was terrible. I could see the comparisons, and there was much alike. However, it was a whole new story -- starring music. Robin Williams actually plays a mixed bag. I've never really seen him play a villain, but he did it in this one, and does it well. You like him and hate him at the same time.

But the main character, that same little boy that everyone thinks is wonderful right now, (having done Charley and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland and several others) he did excellent. The expressions on his face are so perfect, so clear and clean. He makes you believe him. He makes you hear the music.

I hope that you take the chance to watch it. Bring lots of tissue, and be prepared to enjoy a musical experience that will hum along your nerves. I want the soundtrack now...