James Horner - The Amazing Spider-man

[Incanus 5,890]

Sounds very nice.

But it still sounds like Elfman. And nobody does Elfman better than Elfman. His energetic theme crushes this one to dust.

Can you or anyone else give me time stamps so I can finally hear clearly this Spiderman theme people keep raving about. What would be the juiciest renditions of it in the two Elfman scores?

[Jay 46,243]

Just listen to the main titles of any of the 3 scores

[Incanus 5,890]

Right-o!

[igger6 1,045]

The hero theme sounds cool, but I too thought the whole package sounded like the music you'd hear if you had a weird dream about what the new Spider-Man music would sound like, a sort of chipper mix of previous Horner and previous Elfman. It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Horn-Man!

Also, did anyone else hear the nearly note-for-note quote of Menken's "Beauty and the Beast" at 4:29 in the Youtube medley?

[crocodile 9,724]

It might be a bit cynical, but at this point I'll swallow anything Horner gives me. These days when summer blockbusters sound as they sound, his endless repetition and tired sound are pure gold.

Karol

[KK 3,313]

It might be a bit cynical, but at this point I'll swallow anything Horner gives me. These days when summer blockbusters sound as they sound, his endless repetition and tired sound are pure gold.

Karol

Sadly, that was quite spot on!

[Brónach 1,330]

Just listen to the main titles of any of the 3 scores

Indeed. Epic as hell.

[p0llux 435]

Horner's Spidey theme is more fantasy than heroic to me. Based on that cue, I think it's best suited for one of those glorious flyover shots of some magical and mystical place that's revealed for the first time after some action scene in a fantasy film, rather than Spider-man successfully outruns the police.

I really liked Doctor Ocopus's Theme (especially it's reprise in Young's main titles) and the Sandman music too

Speaking of Doc Ock, Elfman's Doc Ock theme was one of the most fitting themes for a character I've heard in YEARS. It's so perfect. Same with the Goblin's theme. Man, he nailed those two character's themes perfectly.

[KK 3,313]

Just listen to the main titles of any of the 3 scores

Indeed. Epic as hell.

[media=]

Thanks for that Chaac, it was really nice hearing that theme again (its been a while). It continues to marvel me how Elfman nailed Spiderman with his music. That theme is definitely a modern classic.

I don't think Horner will do so with the same degree of effectiveness, but I'm really liking what I'm hearing so far. The more clips I see/hear, the more excited I am for the score. For the film it works the other way around however. I mean with each new clip, this film looks more and more awful and cliche....

I know people around here don't like the original trilogy (although I do), but Raimi's films seems to be way better than this cheap trash....

[Matt C 605]

And nobody does Elfman better than Elfman. His energetic theme crushes this one to dust.

Sadly, I agree. Horner's theme feels very underwhelming, and in the chase scene it feels... unsynchronized to the visuals. And the scene is badly shot and edited as a whole.

I think both movie and score will disappoint a lot of people, not just the die-hards.

[King Mark 3,975]

clips sound ok. At least it sounds like a theme, Avengers has nothing of the sort (listened to that once and never plan to again)

[Trent B 354]

I know people around here don't like the original trilogy (although I do), but Raimi's films seems to be way better than this cheap trash....

I was initially against this film at first but the clips make it optimistic now. All though I hope it doesn't suck.

Regarding Raimi's original films I too like them unlike a lot of others. All though for Spider-Man 3 I think there were way to many villains. If the film had just concentrated on Harry's and Marko's story line then it would probably have been better.

I mean we know that Harry finally realized that Peter was telling the truth about his father's death and came to the aid of his friend in the end but still... despite the film being some what of a mess for the most part it was enjoyable.

Spider-Man 2 will always be my favorite of the three films.

[Admiral Holdo 16]

Oh thank goodness, someone agrees. Spidey 3's one of those that's far better than its reputation suggests - fanboys blowing it out of proportion and such. But I like all the films.

Really, they should have done a soft reboot (think Batman Forever), but hopefully this new one's decent.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

Soft reboot? What does that mean?

That actually got me thinking, why isn't Forever and Batman & Robin considered an entirely new series within a franchise, like with Nolan's films?

[Admiral Holdo 16]

There's a different actor, but it's mostly in the same continuity. Maybe a bad example - the Bond films (up to DAD) perhaps?

[publicist 4,650]

Columbia's marketing machine obviously has triggered the usual demographics into seriously considering watching this drivel. If you do, never complain again about the largely terrible summer blockbusters.

[Quintus 6,496]

Indeed.

[publicist 4,650]

A 10-minute first listen:

For anyone fearing an absence of the good 'ole Horner of yesteryear, fear not: at the 1-minute mark, ROCKETEER/WRATH OF KHAN get the honors.

[Richard P 5,303]

I love how the 'hero' theme works in the chase scene, and actually the CG spidey there is damn good.

The extended clips in that YT clip are good, but nothing that special. Can't judge the score properly like that. And the hero quote from the chase scene is on the CD (Metamorphosis) - that's good.

And 'End Credits' seems to have a Rocketeer-esque thematic 'in your face' moment when the whole orchestra belts out the main theme a few times. Love 'em

clips sound ok. At least it sounds like a theme, Avengers has nothing of the sort (listened to that once and never plan to again)

It does - it's just one of the least interesting/memorable themes I've ever heard from Silvestri.

[KK 3,313]

I know people around here don't like the original trilogy (although I do), but Raimi's films seems to be way better than this cheap trash....

I was initially against this film at first but the clips make it optimistic now. All though I hope it doesn't suck.

Regarding Raimi's original films I too like them unlike a lot of others. All though for Spider-Man 3 I think there were way to many villains. If the film had just concentrated on Harry's and Marko's story line then it would probably have been better.

I mean we know that Harry finally realized that Peter was telling the truth about his father's death and came to the aid of his friend in the end but still... despite the film being some what of a mess for the most part it was enjoyable.

Spider-Man 2 will always be my favorite of the three films.

Agreed! Spiderman 2 was easily the best of the franchise. For Spiderman 3, there was a lack of focus. And it had its fair share of flaws, I mean that little dance McGuire did was....disturbing in the least.

[Wojo 2,458]

Spider-Man 2 had the most sympathetic of the film villains and didn't resort to insulting its audience with a shoehorned retcon.

[crocodile 9,724]

Just listened to the 10-minute excerpt. I really like it. Sounds like Horner managed to add some kind of feel to the film. It does somewhat remind me of Elfman's scores. The urban synth feel to it is entirely appropriate to the character and the setting. And there's something that's almost forgotten in today's blockbuster scores - sense of wonder and innocence. That's a really good sign.

Karol

[JoeinAR 1,957]

THE Dance....it ruined the film for Dave. I thought they were all nothing special so I didn't really care.

strangely I'm looking forward to this film, and I prefer Horner over Elfman any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

[Matt C 605]

Apparently, Sony and Marc Webb have gone their separate ways -- no ASM sequel for him.

http://fanboycomics.net/fanboy-scoop/stop-the-presses/1000

I guess this film is a one-off for Horner.

[MSM 194]

Well even Elfman's Batman Theme was never that great.

Yeah it isn't that great. Calling Elfman's Batman score great is an understatement. It was GROUNDBREAKING.

True, he didn't write it himself though, Bernard herrmann did.

I'd prefer James Horner over Elfman any time just like Joey.

[lonzoe 19]

THE Dance....it ruined the film for Dave. I thought they were all nothing special so I didn't really care.

strangely I'm looking forward to this film, and I prefer Horner over Elfman any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

You say it like it's something to be proud of.

Well even Elfman's Batman Theme was never that great.

Yeah it isn't that great. Calling Elfman's Batman score great is an understatement. It was GROUNDBREAKING.

True, he didn't write it himself though, Bernard herrmann did.

I'd prefer James Horner over Elfman any time just like Joey.

In the film it says music score by Danny Elfman . The album reads music composed by Danny Elfman. Last time I checked Herrmann passed away in 1975. So he couldn't have written the Batman 89 score . Besides I can say the same thing about Horner's HISTK score being written by Nino Rota going off your way of thinking.

[Sandor 918]

strangely I'm looking forward to this film

I feel like I've already seen the film after having seen the trailers. It's the film I'm least looking forward to see at this moment. Everything about it feels wrong, just like that awful and ill-fated Superman Returns movie a few years ago. I could be wrong, but this remake/re-imagining feels very purposeless and not very distinct from Raimi's films.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

yes Ivanhoe I'm proud that I prefer Horner over Elfman. I think it shows good taste.

[Score_Fan 37]

I enjoy all 3 of Raimi's movies, and i'm skeptical of ASM. Mainly because everytime I see something that I think will make this movie awesome, something else comes out and makes me cautious.

I love the parker shuffle, may I add.

[Not Mr. Big 5,011]

Spider-Man 3 ruined everything for me. It took all responsibility away from Peter when it turns out that Sandman killed Uncle Ben.

[King Mark 3,975]

the Pre-hate meter is pretty high on this one. Maybe it'll be good after all.

[Delorean90 47]

My real concern on this is that the same execs that forced Raimi to shoehorn Venom into SM3 and then still wouldn't let him be when he tried to make up for it with the cancelled fourth film are still in charge. I hear good things from Webb and the actors, and even the score seems promising, but I can't help but have a bad feeling about this. I'd really like to see Marvel Studios get their hands on the property.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

Please no, keep them far away.

[Brónach 1,330]

Marvel would make a great Spider-Man film, but they can do so many films.

[Matt C 605]

Please no, keep them far away.

I beg to differ. Unlike Sony's mixed castings of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, Marvel Studios would've found the perfect actor to play Peter Park/Spider-Man without making him too young-looking (Garfield) or too mopey (Maguire).

Garfield is a terrific actor, but from all I've seen of ASM from clips and such -- he's just a missed opportunity. I'd love for this film to prove me wrong, but... we'll see.

[Brónach 1,330]

Marvel's ability to assemble very appropiate casts is notable. Also some director choices.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

I think Garfield has Parker down based on the trailers. He's a teenager after all, how old would you prefer? What actor do you think would fit better? A newcomer perhaps?

As for director choices, Webb's debut with (500) Days Of Summer is a very impressive one. Whether it's a one off or not remains to be seen, but I don't think this will prove it considering that it's Spider-Man. Superhero films are generally directed by studios, few give their directors true freedom, like Nolan has. But he's earned it through making WB over a billion dollars.

[Brónach 1,330]

I haven't seen (500) Days of Summer but I felt it was an original choice. As for Garfield I think he'll do fine. If they do more films with him he'll look too old, though. He already does.

[Admiral Holdo 16]

Seems James Southall likes it: http://www.movie-wave.net/?p=2517

[lonzoe 19]

This score might be the surprise of the summer for me.

[Jay 46,243]

Apparently some new samples are on this site (I haven't had a chance to listen myself):

http://www.exlibris.ch/musik/cd/james-horner/the-amazing-spider-man-ost/?id=0887254380528

[Jonesy 55]

Samples are exciting, this work sounds pretty fresh.

[Jay 46,243]

It's my favorite Horner score since the 90s

[ZackR 187]

I agree. I need to revisit A Beautiul Mind. I loved that back when it came out.

[KK 3,313]

http://www.blogomatic3000.com/2012/06/16/exclusive-listen-to-james-horners-end-titles-for-the-amazing-spider-man/

I'm hearing more familiar Hornerisms.

But so far, I'm really pumped up for this one!

[Hlao-roo 390]

Seems James Southall likes it: http://www.movie-wave.net/?p=2517

That's the worst review I've ever read.

[publicist 4,650]

For the worst score ever written!

[Quintus 6,496]

Right, time to finally check out these samples. Don't you fuck me over again Horner!

[Hlao-roo 390]

For the worst score ever written!

It's close. The samples suggest a composer well out of his depth. Horner's cripplingly reactionary comic book constructs reflect an ignorance of the muscularity and mature vision necessary to delineate a credible 21st century superhero. To be sure, it could be worse -- imagine John Williams trying to write a score for a superhero movie -- but Horner is clearly no Jablonsky, let alone Zimmer.

[Quintus 6,496]

Damn, another huge disappointment then. This traditional (read: prehistoric) composing style will be the death of film scoring craft. Maybe next time Horner will actually be bothered to get up from behind his damned piano and learn how to use a fucking computer for once in his bone idle life. Pfft...