August Rush (2007)

I noticed this listed as somebody's favorite film. Another story about musical genius...part fairytale, part reality. Lyla (Keri Russell) is serious-minded cellist living in New York. She falls for Louis (Jonathan Rhy Meyers), a charming Irish rock musician. Their brief romance ends in pregnancy, but Lyla's overprotective father makes sure that the man and baby do not sidetrack her from the promising career. Lyla is told the baby died in birth. She settles into life as a music teacher in Chicago. Louis moves on to a more ordinary life and puts aside his music.

Meanwhile, we learn about Evan (Freddie Highmore), a sensitive boy growing up at a home for boys. Kindly social worker, Richard (Terrance Howard) takes a special interest in him as he tries to understand Evan's refusal to be adopted, convinced that his real family will find him someday. Evan runs away from the home, where he meets up with band of children living in an abandon building with Maxwell, "The Wizard" (Robin Williams) who uses the kids to earn money. He is full of philosophy, music, and street. Evan picks up a guitar and uncovers a surprising talent. Maxwell gives him the stage name August Rush and enforces in him the belief that "the music is all around...you just need to listen."

On his deathbed, Lyla's father confesses that he had forged her name on adoption papers twelve years ago...for her own good. This news sends her on a mission to New York to find her son. Richard, from Child Services begins to help her. Meanwhile, Louis faces his own demons and begins dwelling on thoughts of Lyla. He quits his job and takes out his guitar. August Rush breaks free of Maxwell long enough for others to notice his talents and the stars align for him. The course of their journies becomes predictable, but the road to the conclusion is so much fun.

Lyla returns to her cello for a symphony concert in Central Park. Louis is in town reconnecting with his rock band. You can guess the rest, but it doesn't matter. This film is touching and thought-provoking. Is our path in life unavoidable?