Generic and derivative...sigh. But! Nice he's finally decided trumpets belong in the orchestra again and not just as a lonely solo sound. Standby is nice, but like most of the score is too reminiscent of Dark Knight. It just doesn't have its own identity.
I just got back from the theater. If it wasn't for the rushed third act, this would have been an incredible movie. The visuals are stunning and the story was engaging throughout. I wish the villains were stronger though. I think this movie is missing that T-1000 antagonist. The fact that this film cost $80 million is hard to believe. It looks leagues above those endless Marvel films.
As for the score, I am not sure if I agree this score reached Interstellar level, but it is definitely not a derivative Dark Knight clone. Some of the emotional stuff are truly soaring. Without spoiling the film, the final sequence with the music is probably Zimmer at his most dramatic. I really like the ethnic touches and the non-Christian religious tones as well. But there aren't a lot of score in the film. Even the action sequences are usually without music, especially in the first half.
As for the score, I am not sure if I agree this score reached Interstellar level, but it is definitely not a derivative Dark Knight clone.
Just to be clear, I don't think it's on INTERSTELLAR's level, just the best score SINCE that film. The only one that comes close is BLADE RUNNER 2049, and it's not even that close. THE CREATOR swiftly rocketed into my alltime top 20 Zimmer list.
Listening on YouTube right now. Yes, the gongs and ethnic whatnots do lock-in something set in Cambodia or Vietnam. Some nice cues, in that dreamy/ambient textural soundscape Zimmer does so well. And yes, some generic churning stuff that passes for action these days. I look forward to hearing how it works with the visuals, when I see the film.
Just got to 'Prayer'...really nice religious vibe, with the choir and organ. I dare say I would buy this on CD, if it was the olden days, and one could walk into HMV and do such a thing.
Overall, it's a very pleasant listen (apart from those couple of chugga action/suspense cues which break the mood). Although I tend to prefer something more intricate and interesting when listening to film scores, this is fine for that ambient 'relaxing spa music' vibe when just chilling out. Some of the cues are genuinely impressive (I especially liked Prayer and True Love) and this is a nice programme overall.
Came back from watching the film yesterday, and the score worked really well IMO. The use of voices and varied instrumentation throughout was interesting and the cues during the climactic sequences were gorgeus. Will definitely be listening to this later on.
I've given this a couple of spins. While I quite like it, although some of it can feel "standard issue Zimmer." I think it is at its best in its more somber or thoughtful moments. I quite love "A Place in the Sky" and "Prayer" shows that Zimmer and the crew still have that great touch of ye olde religious sound. But then there's stuff that bores like "Lab Raid." For most of the album, however, I do feel like this is a vintage Zimmer sound that recalls the earlier 2000s and works like The Last Samurai. The final track, "True Love," is a show-stopper.
Given this is the era that has given me modern favorite Zimmer scores like Chappie, Wonder Woman 1984, and Dune, I can't help but feel underwhelmed by the familiarity of a lot of this. But, in its own way, it is like going back to visit an old friend.
Just saw the film this afternoon and thought it was really good. Zimmer's score was sparse but hit all the right notes when it needed to. A really strong effort and a great and mercifully short album (as opposed to a lot of other scores these days).
The previous poster is right. The action sequences are the best thing about this movie.
The neatest conceptual achievment here is the fusing of Vietnam War and US War on Terror settings and instrumentalities. Notice the several helicopter-like military transports right out of The Terminator.
Yeah, it's a little high-minded, but that's only because the characters aren't drawn well enough to take the focus off the theme. And it suffers from being trite in the lead character's main obsession.
Altogether, a flawed but needed attempt at a movie that's about something important. May it be profitable enough to generate further attempts at thematic grandeur.
Sadly, this one hasn't excited the public enough to go to the cinema to see it (unless it grows some legs/word of mouth). So much for original, non-franchise efforts trying to buck the trend a bit (after BARBIE & OPPENHEIMER). Kids movie/sequel PAW PATROL ruled the roost. I'm still gonna check it out, when it's on a normal (non-IMAX) screen at the Odeon.
