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Artwork copyright (c) 2004 Universal
Studios and Dreamworks LLC; review copyright (c) 2005 James Southall
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37:23
THE HOLLYWOOD STUDIO SYMPHONY
conducted by
RANDY NEWMAN
FRANK WOLF
Music Editor
BRUNO COON
Produced by
FRANK WOLF
VARESE SARABANDE
Serial number
VSD-6630
MEET THE FOCKERS Warm
and attractive, if inconsequential, comedy score A review by JAMES SOUTHALL The success of Meet the Parents was extraordinary in
two ways - because it was so unexpected, and so undeserved. Anyway, it
also meant that a sequel was inevitable, and not only are Ben Stiller and Robert
de Niro back for more puerile jokes but joining them this time out are Dustin
Hoffman and Barbra Streisand. I'm not sure what all of that proves, but
then I'm not sure I want to know anyway. As a fan of both Randy Newman's
songs and his film scores I have long been hoping that he would leave Pixar
behind for a couple of years and find other projects on which to flex his
muscles. Well, he's done the former (though not through choice) with both Finding
Nemo and The Incredibles having fine scores by other composers, but
the "other projects" he's found have been rather hit and miss - Seabiscuit
is one thing, and provides a great opportunity for film music - but Meet the
Parents and its crudely-named sequel aren't exactly in that boat. His score for the original was largely anonymous, coming
across as a somewhat watered-down version of his Pixar music, with one or two
standout moments. This time round, there is more character to the music,
and it is both richer and more rewarding - but not nearly so rich and rewarding
as a Newman score for a straight, adult drama, which is what he should be
working on. The new album opens with two new Newman songs which will
polarise opinion as much as all of his others. They're both the kind of
feelgood song he has offered so many times in his film work, though this time
"We're Gonna Get Married" and "Crazy 'Bout My Baby" are
written in a gentle rock-and-roll style which he hasn't really worked in since a
couple of tracks on his early 1980s solo album "Trouble in
Paradise". I would imagine an Oscar nomination will attach itself to
one of them, probably the latter, but they're a little too disposable to be as
satisfying as many of his film songs. As for the score, as seems to be the case a confusing number
of times with sequels, it is a far more consistent listen than the original, but
without the easily-identifiable highlights. There are some very sweet and
attractive themes, but the music is probably at its most impressive when Newman
accentuates the faux drama or slapstick of the film. His Pixar
scores have shown that he can write Mickey Mouse music better than anyone and,
if this isn't up to that level, that's explainable because of the relative
quality of the films he has to work with. There is an Italian flavour to
some of the cues, with some beautiful violin solos, and a warm and summery
atmosphere created by pizzicato strings and an occasional female choir.
Perhaps the highlight is the thunderous action music occurring during the title
track and the final score track, which is as unexpected as it is impressive. This is not a major score, but it is entertaining and coupled
with two feel-good songs, it's recommended for fans of the composer. It
doesn't last long, though (Newman's songs and score make up about 25 minutes)
and so there are a few extra songs afterwards, including two written by Newman's
long-time music editor Bruno Coon. It all makes for an entertaining album,
one which is deliberately somewhat lightweight, but most enjoyable. Buy
this CD from amazon.com by clicking here! Tracks