August Rush: Music From The Motion Picture Reviews

• Saw the movie and immediately bought the soundtrack

  
  By A3AVJCB1ZD6ZY5 on 2007-11-25
  In a CD collection that's spanned more than 40 years of music and I've lost count of how many genres, movie soundtracks number less than 20. I generally don't care that much for enough of the movie to purchase the whole soundtrack. This is one case where I stepped out of the theatre in Acquisition Mode. I was going to actually pay more for the soundtrack at a local vendor if I could just have found it tonight--but I'm getting it cheaper through Amazon and I'm happy. Just great music including folks like John Legend, John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) and Kaki King on guitar. Very much worth the price--there are no duds on this soundtrack!
  
  

• Besides being a strong addition to the movie, music that stands on its own, lovely!

  
  By A1ER5AYS3FQ9O3 on 2008-01-06
  . This was a delight to listen to and our whole family loves this CD. Most of the songs are favorites, from the main title featuring Marn Mancina, with spoken excerpts from the movie itself, a common practice for many movie soundtracks - and just fine by me - to the variations on the classic Moondance, one featuring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and the other showcasing the talents of Chris Botti.
  
  Even weakest pieces here are very listenable (is that a word?) In any case, Jonathan Rhys Meyers is a revelation and John Legend's Someday has become a real staple on my CD player. You'll find Dueling Guitars to be a contrast to any earlier version you might have heard, an improvisation and interpretation which I found intriguing.
  
  If I had to sum up the "feel" of this CD, I'd say it is a blend of jazz, pop and relatively easy listening music but it is NOT Muzak. Don't assume that. It goes nicely with a glass of red wine, roaring fire and a good book.
  
  Artists featured include: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Steve Erdody, Kaki King, John Legend, Heitor Pereira and Doug Smith, Mark Mancina and Chris Botti, among others.
  
  As always, I do suggest you listen to the music samples at Amazon or other sites before purchasing this, although they'll give you only a taste of the entire piece.
  
  

• MUSIC IS MAGICAL, GREAT CD

  
  By A7L1YZTTQA5S3 on 2007-11-30
  After I saw the movie, I actually bought the CD off of the internet (paid to download the entire CD) because I didn't want to wait for the Soundtrack to be shipped to me. I have now listened to the the entire CD many times. THE MUSIC IS MAGICAL. Every song is extremely wonderful and filled with a lot of heart and soul.
  
  

• Missing the score!?

  
  By A2RS8R3RAFA8OV on 2008-04-05
  Now I know this is titled "Music From The Motion Picture," but one would think that that would include at least PARTS of the score, such as recurring main themes, etc. While a good "soundtrack," this is missing most of Mark Mancina's heartwarming score, which in my opinion was the best thing about the movie apart from the story. I don't know why nowadays soundtrack producers tend to leave out some of the most vital and emotional music in a film, just to put in the main highlights and songs. While I do enjoy the tracks on this album, it feels empty without the rest. For instance, when I first saw the film, I was blown away emotionally by the orchestral score, and remembered one particular section which utilized the celesta (I think). I found an audio clip on Mr. Mancina's official site, where it was called "Arpeggio Intro." The clip was only a minute or two long, and was one of the greatest moments in the whole film. It was used when Louis leaves August in the park, later when the man finds August's picture on the floor (and makes the connection that Evan Taylor is August Rush), and transitioning into the scene where the little girl in the church and her father discuss praying for August. Truly a touching moment in the film, as well as in the music, yet the producers couldn't find the time or money to stick it in the soundtrack? This makes no sense to me whatsoever. The score is JUST as important as the rest of the music, and I find it quite saddening that Hollywood nowadays wants to exclude classical music so much from society that they can't even include it in a soundtrack, where it played a major role in the story. Other than that, the songs on this are all good, and if that's the reason you want the soundtrack, then by all means, go ahead and buy it. but if you're looking from the orchestral score side of things, please know that this is very, very, very incomplete.
  
  

• A Rush of emotion

  
  By AUX97IH757GYK on 2007-11-25
  The critics haven't recieved August Rush very well, but the fact of the matter is that the one's that haven't have limited themselves. They complain of to little plot or underdeveloped characters. This is TRUE, and also what MAKES THE MOVIE. August Rush is quite simply, a feeling. It's the feeling of connection and a greater power. It's a feeling that there's something out there working to connect all of us. August feels it through music. If the plot got weighty or complicated or the charcters became a focus point then this feeling couldn't have been conveyed. The soundtrack works on many levels as well. It integrates classical, rock, and almost every other musical style together in a way that connects music as a whole, reflecting the movie's intentions.
  
  August Rush is a must see. The soundtrack is a must have. Go get caught up in it's beauty.
  
  
• Wonderful Music!
  By A3RGJLJ54WFGKD on 2007-11-18
  I also saw a sneak preview of the movie Saturday night and found it to be an amazing story with wonderful music. I wish they had the songs with the other child from the streets on the soundrtrack but the music they included is beyond enjoyable. Don't miss this movie!
  
  
• Saw a sneak preview last night and LOVE the soundtrack
  By A9J1YN0LWG8LE on 2007-11-14
  Saw a preview of the movie last night at the San Diego Cinema Society. It's a lovely, sweet fairytale with likeable performances all around. The soundtrack is eclectic and wonderful -- loved each and every piece. Highly recommend the movie and the CD.
  
  
• Movie and Soundtrack (5 stars)
  By A1DDB1RCTNHWY4 on 2007-11-23
  The movie, August Rush, is a must see movie for everyone who believes music can make a difference. It's a movie that will have you cheering in the end. The soundtrack makes the movie even better with both classical arrangements and contemporary rock tracks that fit with the story line perfectly. This is a soundtrack that is not just filler that's never heard in the movie but is included to be some of the most memorable parts of the movie. 5 stars for both the movie and the soundtrack. So see this one on the big screen. You will not be disappointed.
  
  
• AMAZING
  By A278KB3ORD81UF on 2007-11-21
  I do not own the soundtrack( as of yet) but I will be the proud owner really soon. I just saw the movie about 30 minutes ago and I have to say that the music is WONDERFUL. Music is in me like it is in this movie. If you love music, you will absolutely love this movie. Mr. Meyers sings beautifully and the rest of the songs are just......well.... there are no words. I have one word to describe this movie, soundtrack ect~ AMAZING~
  
  
• AMAZING movie and soundtrack!!
  By AOCP4YVPMUOAT on 2007-11-23
  I absoluetly LOVED this movie and soundtrack!! Everything about this movie and soundtrack is amazing!! Words can't describe it!! This movie is a must see!!
  
  
• Transcendence
  By AT49HD5U4ZXEH on 2007-11-23
  I went to this movie expecting something good, yet I was blown away right from the start. No movie has ever moved me like this one, and it was all because of the music. This could have been a movie like any other movie, but it wasn't. A young boy teaching himself music and being naturally good at it in an attempt to find his parents is... there is no word for this soundtrack or the movie it's just to good. It's at times like these that a gross understatement is the best way to describe it. So I will say it was amazing. If that's a gross understatement of this product I would love to know what is the right statement for it.
  
  
• The music, story line and acting are superb.
  By A3OQFN47OVICCA on 2007-11-24
  I was so moved by this movie. I recommend it to everyone. You will never forget it - amongst so many forgetable movies you have and will see. Amazing combination of talent. The classical music is magnificant. Don't miss this one. It will warm the cockles of your heart.
  
  
• Simply astounding...
  By A1WQFK2ISKNMAC on 2007-11-27
  The greatest collection of music I've ever heard in one movie. This soundtrack is a classic and the assembled talent is unreal: John Legend is just that, Kaki King is a guitar virtuoso that will blow you away, Chris Botti plays a soul melting horn and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers (who plays the male lead in the movie) can take his pick - rock star or movie star. He'll surprise you to say the least.
  
  Incredible movie and music to match. Do yourself a favor, see the movie, buy the soundtrack.
  
  
• Wonderful stuff
  By A1U1UIQ1OK7U57 on 2007-11-29
  Like the other reviewers, I came out of the sneak preview wanting to own the CD immediately. It's great, and has all the music I wanted from the film (even Jonathan Rhys Meyers's "Moondance"). My only quibble is that the two rock songs that were so beautifully overlaid with the classical music in the film are presented here with only brief introductions from the symphony; from then on, we just get the rock songs alone. It's great to hear them in their entirety, though, and "August's Rhapsody" is even more delightful without interruptions.
  
  
• I don't have it yet, but...
  By A1TY21OW6XAJ7C on 2007-12-02
  This movie was INCREDIBLE! I had no idea that Johnathan Rhys-Myers or whatever his name is could sing! I loved seeing adorable little Freddie Highmore who can act, in my opinion, as well as the adults in the movie, and intend to see "finding neverland" for that reason. I adored this movie and all of the music in it, and intend to buy this album ASAP.
  
  
• Wonderful, Moving...
  By A1Y82Z8LCSA7T0 on 2008-05-02
  I knew once I saw the movie that this soundtrack was a must have for me. I loved it immediately. Honestly I haven't made it past August's Rhapsody, I keep starting the disc over. The songs not only bring a smile to my face, but they move me to tears.
  
  
• Lush instrumentals
  By A1QSZ53SD7QIRD on 2008-06-24
  As a somewhat lapsed pianist, the gorgeous instrumentation of this soundtrack brings back all sorts of great memories, and makes me want to really start honing my skills again.
  
  I love the vocals (especially Jonathan Rhys Meyers-he has a haunting quality about his voice, very different from the normal actors/actresses that make the foray into singing). He is very believable as an Irish rock star (I'd buy his album if he made one). I love the fact that John Legend makes an appearance (his voice is like silk-exquisite).
  
  The one caveat I have is echoed by other reviewers. Where is the film's score? That's as much a part of a soundtrack as anything else. I give it a 4-star rating because of the missing score. Nonetheless, it is a fantastic objet d'art.
  
  PS-My father "borrowed" this CD, promptly listened and lost it. Guess who's buying me another one?
  
  
  
• Just Listen
  By A2H9UO8RYFX5MB on 2008-07-07
  One of the first things I did after seeing 'August Rush' was run out to buy the soundtrack CD. It is, after all, a movie largely about music. While watching the film there were several points when I found myself swept up completely into what was happening on the screen, and I knew the music had a lot to do with that. And simply put, I was pretty much right.
  
  Listening to the CD is very much like watching the movie. There are only two actual score tracks: Mark Mancina's 'Main Title' and 'August's Rhapsody', bookending the film with the music from the beginning and the end of the story.
  
  Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who plays Louis in the movie, sings several modern songs that were featured in the film, including his version of 'Moondance' and 'This Time,' the song played at several points as the story progressed. "Bach/Break" and "Something Inside" are a mixture of symphonic and modern music, in which two musical viewpoints come together, also featuring Jonathan Rhys Meyers' vocals as well as Steve Erdody's cello.
  
  'Raise It Up' is a song August hears as he enters a church, featuring Jamia Simone (who also sings a little on 'August's Rhapsody'), an inspirational gospel number for the big city.
  
  'Dueling Guitars,' showcasing guitar performances by Hector Pereira and Doug Smith, is what we hear in the scene when August and Louis play together for the first time, a touching blend of musical style that struggles to find harmony at first, and blends perfectly in the end.
  
  And perhaps the biggest reason I bought the CD are Kaki King's tracks, 'Bari Improv' and 'Ritual Dance.' These are the songs we hear when August is first learning to play, strange and beautiful pieces in which the guitar is as much a percussion instrument as a strumming one. I simply love listening to these. Even without the other music on the CD, these alone are well worth owning and listening to over and over.
  
  After 'August's Rhapsody' are several disposable tracks, at least to my ear. One or two of them were played over the end credits (the John Legend song and the John Ondrasik song, I believe), and the others just seem thrown on. They're not bad, just not what I bought the CD for, and I rarely listen to these very often.
  
  Despite the last few tracks, the soundtrack for 'August Rush' is a pleasant, eclectic mix of music that expresses the feeling of the film perfectly. Just like the film itself, it reflects lots of different styles of music and brings them all together to tell one story. It's one more way the film has to convey its message: that music is all around, and all we have to do is listen.
  
  
• Great Soundtrack From A GREAT MOVIE!
  By A1FX9OIXDO47IJ on 2007-11-22
  After see the movie, I rushed out to purchase the soundtrack. Listing to the soundtrack brought back all the good feelings that are brought out in the movie. I can't wait to see it again!
  
  
• August Rush
  By A3VA2YCXQA331J on 2007-11-29
  A heartwarming, beautiful story of how love overcomes life's obstacles. The music was so beautiful that at times I was moved to tears. The storyline was brilliantly woven together with the music that I am left amazed at its artistry. I can't wait to get the soundtrack and will definitely buy the DVD when it's available. This is a movie I won't tire of watching repeatedly!
  
  
• Loved every second of it!
  By A2858EH27Y7S6Q on 2007-11-30
  WOW! I just came back from seeing the movie about 15 minutes ago, I'm already checking out the website and can't wait to get the DVD & the Soundtrack! Absolutely beautiful, heartwarming, and I left in amazement! I loved the movie, music, everything! You HAVE got to go see it! The music is truly magic! Can't wait to take my kids to see it!
  
  
• Magical music
  By ABEW1S0VFDET0 on 2007-12-01
  That previous review must be my friend...I just got back from seeing the movie tonight and I'm already checking out the website, too. I highly recommend it. The story is beautiful, the music transcendental. You hope you know how it's going to end, and it's not rocket science, but then it is...I'm taking my musician husband and kids to see it.
  
  
• RUSH to the movie and buy the soundtrack!
  By A1NI82ZJ67V178 on 2007-12-08
  I really didnt know of the movie, but went with a friend. I didnt want to leave when it was over. If I could have seen it again I would have. I am at this moment trying to decide if I want to wait for the CD or if I will download the soundtrack so I dont have to wait. Words can not describe the joy of the movie and music. The blend of rock and classical is pure MAGIC and the voice of Meyers give goosebumps.
  ENJOY!!!
  
  
• amazing movie, amazing soundtrack!!
  By ANQVGR49KKLSQ on 2007-12-23
  I just saw the movie a few days ago, and I was so blown away by the power of the music and the movie itself that I just haven't been able to get it out of my mind. It was simply amazing. I NEVER buy soundtracks but after seeing this movie, I just had to have this soundtrack. So, of course, I immediately bought the soundtrack and I have found it every bit as fantastic as the movie itself!
  
  this soundtrack is a MUST-HAVE! Get it!
  
  
• The best music I have heard in a long time
  By A1PB5T9PSH5OL5 on 2007-12-28
  I am a huge fan of a large base of music including hip hop, pop, r&b, country and so on, but when I heard this sound track it was like a breath of fresh air. The songs are so powerful and full of meaning and I could listen to the cd from start to finish without having to skip songs, they are all my favorite! I can't wait to get this cd as a gift for everyone close to me!
  
  
• Less than what I expected
  By A2RPHPY270F31M on 2007-12-29
  I was looking forward to the full score, especially August's rhapsody creation, but there was only a small portion of it on the CD. The CD is good, but less than what I expected it to be...the whole film is about music, and expected at least an extensive score, but ended up with musical Cliff Notes instead. Should have been a 2-disc set.
  
  
• Beautiful mixture of sounds and music.
  By A35JDM5KPHBQ8D on 2008-03-13
  For the first time I purchased a soundtrack before seeing the movie and couldn't be happier. Myself and kids (4,6,8) enjoy listening to the entire soundtrack, which makes for pleasant drives. I could not wait for the release of the movie and the kids are begging to see it as well. Track 10 (August's Raphsody) is powerful and moving everytime. Rhys Meyers vocals and songs are very soulful. The guitar and cello solos are beautiful. Highly recommend this CD. I think this may be the first time I have given anything 5 solid stars.
  
  
• Good, but not quite a "Rush"
  By AOLH1TORIHBWC on 2008-03-22
  I'd seen "August Rush" and enjoyed how the predictable movie played out. One knew the ending, but not how it was going to get there. I also enjoyed the music, which is why I ordered the soundtrack. As with many soundtracks these days, there are a lot of songs stuffed into the background and during the running of the credits which do little or nothing to help the movie along. They do, however, fill out a CD--it's a marketing thing. The American edition of the "Love Actually" comes to mind. It didn't even contain the two main love themes in the movie--thank God the internet made it possible to get the British version.
  
  The "August Rush" CD does contain more of the actual music from the film and that makes it worthwhile and enjoyable, it's just that after hearing it, one wishes there was more in the movie and on the CD.
  
  
• Nice Sounds
  By AQZKKNNG6GWKV on 2008-03-25
  This score is excellent! It moves through a diverse variety of styles and sounds, each step as entertaining as the last.
  
  My personal favorite is August's Rhapsody, which combines several different inspirations that the (fictional) composer experienced, which makes for an emotional and strong song.
  
  Jonathan Rhys Meyers really impressed me singing solos. Who'd have known?
  
  Very good buy. It's well worth the money. Four and a half stars.
  
  
  
• Great Soundtrack
  By A2N26D08MG34FO on 2008-04-07
  I bought the DVD & CD after reading great things about the movie & soundtrack so when I heard the CD thought it was overated at first till I heard it again and now I think is well done with a Great Soundtrack .
  
  

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