Tries to hard to tug on the heart but not the soul

Rating: 6/10 (25 March 2008)

This movie should have been one that got into your soul; something like Mr. Holland's Opus. But instead it tries too hard to tug on your heart. The main characters motivations aren't well explained so though you like these two young people you don't connect with them. The same thing could be said for August/Evan. The only truly well explored characters are minor ie Wizard and Arthur. At least you understand and appreciate their motivation. Also the movie leaves you weepy but empty. Music should move your soul and it doesn't. The music is melodic but weak; I can't remember a single song. Also music should be transforming to the people that it touches and the movie doesn't show this transformation for Wizard and it is a missed opportunity. In his soul he is a musician who can't play music, a sad creature praying on others because the music inside him is gone. August the prodigy should have been able to make him hear it again. 6/10