Teetering on the precipice of Lifetime moviedom, August Rush, chock full of sentimental set pieces – like orphans, church choirs, forbidden love and magical thinking – somehow pulls itself together just enough to be enjoyable.

It helps tremendously that the lead performances by Keri Russell, Freddy Highmore and Jonathan Rhys Myers provide a measure of subtlety and insight nowhere to be found in the screenplay. Maybe not for everyone, but for those who relish a few tears, August Rush fits the bill.

Grade: B-

August Rush is currently available.