Music : Superman Returns

In association with Amazon.com

Rating:

- Very Pleasantly Surprised!!!!
I have been a huge John Williams fan for as long as I can remember. And to give an example of how big a fan I am, I am open enough to appreciate any variation, or interpretation of his music. I love hearing peoples different takes on his music. And one thing I love about Williams is he is constantly updating. It seems that when he makes a new recording of a previous recording, he has changed some of the instrumentation to keep it fresh sounding.

I thouroughly enjoyed the movie, and I thought the music was beautiful. Sure, I was disappointed that Williams didn't continue the superman epic, but I don't think enough people are giving this score enough credit.

Rating:

- John Williams: If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It
As much as I enjoyed Superman Returns, I was extremely disappointed in Ottman's addition to Williams' classic score. Let's get this out of the way first: The Superman March, Planet Krypton, Prelude and Main Titles, and the Love Theme From Superman (Can You Read My Mind?) define Superman. Perhaps it was accidental, but when we think of Superman now, these are the tracks that instantly come to mind. I am infinitely glad that Bryan Singer chose to incorporate the classic score into the film.

What saddens and disappoints me is John Ottman's addition to the score which, while sometimes rising above the muck, usually comes off as either filler music or sounding like a weepy soap opera refrain. There were times while watching the film that the score clashed with the images and action on screen (somewhat like the score for Troy).

I say that the Ottman score saddens me because, well, it truly does. It was definitely not what I expected to underscore such a heroic, classic figure as Superman. I hope that with the sequel, Mr. Singer will either see fit to get a new composer or attempt to redefine what the score needs to be with Ottman.

Rating:

- Super Score!!!
All who loved the original 1978 Superman Soundtrack should defintley buy this! John Ottman delivers a powerful moving emotional score for Superman Returns. He pays homage to John Williams's theme while still making it something of his own. I HIGHLY recommend this score!! You will not be disappointed. Twenty seconds into the Main Titles, and you will know what I'm talking about. Defintley a must have in your collection!!!

Rating:

- You've got to be kidding me!
Ok, first off, this soundtrack sounds horrible on it's own. I don't even have to listen to the soundtrack to know it is crappy. There is a song that should've been put on this soundtrack and it wasn't. Has anyone forgotten the late Roger Troutman's Superman song that was recorded before his death and was supposed to be used for a movie of the same name? This movie would've been perfect. Thanks Warner Brothers for messing that up. Warner Brothers has a horrible reputation for putting things out of print, or not using songs that are relivent to the same theme. I will not buy this soundtrack unless it is revised and has the mentioned song above on it. Other people might like this soundtrack and that's fine. Not me! Warner? Get it together and pyut Roger's song on it. Bad job on this one Warner. Very very very bad.

Rating:

- Great Score
I think a few reviewers have missed that Ottman was asked to use the Original John Williams theme in the score to help continuity of the films. It was Brian Singer's idea to use this theme and start Superman Returns as a sequel to Superman 2. Once you see the movie it will all make sense, as the film makers decided to ignore (and with good reason) Superman 3-4. Even the opening credits have the same 'flying font' of the previous movies (I LOVED THAT!). This film was not ment to be a reimagining like Batman Begins, but a continuation of the film series. Thus it was extremely important to keep John Williams' already fantastic theme, and I dig that. Besides, how can you improve on it?

The film sort of disappointed me after seeing it, but I find myself a day later really liking it and hoping for a sequel. So, I have to say, my intial thoughts were wrong and I really enjoyed it. I mean, it was cool all the way around, even Kumar as one of the bad guys was cool! Anyway, this is a good score, it just has more 'Pop' than the Williams soundtracks to fit with the more epic look of the film. The Score sounds great, and is well worth the money. You won't be disappointed.

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