A charismatic young Irish guitarist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a sheltered young cellist (Keri Russell) have a chance encounter one magical night above New York%u2019s Washington Square, but are soon torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, orphaned by circumstance. Years later, performing on the streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious stranger (Robin Williams) who gives him the name August Rush, the child (Freddie Highmore) uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth.

AUGUST RUSH opened the 2007 Heartland Film Festival and received a standing ovation from a sold-out crowd of about 400 people. This is a wonderfully magical film; it fully wraps you up and takes you on a stunning ride. Performances are spot on--look for Robin Williams in a light he's not usually cast in. It's honestly great for young and old, and especially anyone who's let music into their lives in one way or another.

A different take on Oliver Twist, this movie had a great premise and story up until about the last 20 minutes. Seriously, guy and girl find each other in a crowd of thousands and find the child that they never knew they had at the exact same time. I went with my friend and even she couldn't stop cutting down how hokey the ending was.