A Movie You'll Watch More Than Once

I finally had the chance to watch Once this weekend, and the hype is real. The movie feels like a cute independent film. And that is what it is.


Glen Hansgard and Marketa Irgoliva are the "guy" and "girl" of Once (the credits label them as "guy" and "girl"). They are unique and cute in their own little ways. Both are gifted musicians that will make you stare at the screen forgetting to blink. (At least that's what I caught myself doing a couple times.) This movie deserved its Oscar. The music is beautiful and passionate. It's not like the manufactured music from August Rush; you can feel the sincerity. I love seeing genuine passion portrayed in a clean, clear-cut way. Glen and Marketa are amazing. I hope to see them on screen again very soon.

August Rush

Not worth it.

There were scenes in this movie that made me smile, but when you factor in all the other terrible scenes, it's just not worth it. I enjoyed the clips of August, played by Finding Neverland star Freddie Highmore, playing the guitar in the unique way that he played. Also, I like seeing Robin Williams play a different role.

I did not like the awkward rooftop scene where August is conceived. August's parents - Lyla Novacek and Louis Connelly - are supposedly talented musicians, but neither seem to be that great, especially the dad played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers with his bland band. The other thing I had a hard time with is the twelve-year gap in between when August is born to when they reunite. The parents look exactly the same as they did twelve years earlier. I thought that was strange.

Overall, the movie had an awkward plot to begin with and when you have 4-5 strange scenes that don't flow with the rest of the movie, the movie is bad. It does have an entertaining quality to it, but if you're wanting a good movie with a good plot and a natural flow, don't get this one.

August Rush