Several months later, Lyla is involved in a car accident, which threatens the life of her unborn son. After recovering, her father breaks the bad news; her son could not be saved. Devastated, Lyla breaks free from her father’s oppression, determined to make a life for herself. 11 years later, on his death-bed, Lyla’s father tell the horrible truth about what happened to her son; after the accident he was given up for adoption. Now named August Rush(Highmore), a musical prodigy, her son was born with the gift of music. August, desperate to find his parents, believes that if they could only hear his music, the three would be reunited.

While August Rush has a lot of potential for being a wonderful movie, it is lacking something to give it that last extra push. Maybe it is fact that everyone in the film (all the protagonists at least) seem to be push-overs. There is always someone else in their life telling them what to do. Lyla has her father, August has Wizard and Louis has society telling him to give up music and try to be something real. What doesn’t make sense is the fact that no one sticks to their ideals and actually follows through with their dreams. I guess that’s part of the movie’s conflict; an antagonist for each protagonist.

I was rather disappointed at the role Robin Williams was given. As one of my favorite actors, seeing him in the previews as a supporter of August, made me want to see the movie. Once I saw it, and realized that Williams was actually the bad guy, that left me a little bitter. When do previews present a character as a role model and supporter, when they are actually a villain. Misleading if you ask me.

While the ending of the film is happy, as expected, it leaves you disappointed because of the build up that could have either been more harrowing (i.e. the struggle increases for the protagonists), or more idyllic (i.e. everything just seems to work out). Honestly, I can’t put my finger on what was disappointing about the film. If you enjoy happy endings and music, you will enjoy this film.