Drawgoon

Say, does the tune they used on trailer 1 make an appearance in any form? I recall I read it was something the composer had created specifically for that preview - possibly from the score.

I wonder whether Hans Zimmer has any regrets about not taking on this film - or Oppenheimer before it.

The preview/single they released for the score to the previous film was equally "downbeat", wasn't it?

The downside is that every compliment/agreement would become meaningless. You'd know it was mandated by divine decree.

Barry – The John Dunbar Theme (Radio Promo Mix) I’ve got to admit… I actually enjoy this version more than the main one. Maybe it’s the added percussion? Or the slightly quicker tempo? Whatever it is, this mix just seems to move with a bit more purpose and energy. It feels more alive and (somehow) less repetitive.

Roque Baños – In the Heart of the Sea I can’t quite remember how this one first popped onto my radar, but the track that really grabbed me was The White Whale Chant. I keep going back to that one, along with Young Nickerson, Homecoming, and The Story Is Told. Honestly, they’re on repeat more than I’d like to admit. Taro Iwashiro – Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet Same deal here—I don’t exactly remember how I stumbled across it, but interestingly, it was around the same time as the Baños score. Like with that one, there are just a handful of cues I keep returning to. They’re calm, more dramatic and/or reflective; far removed from the action- and suspense-heavy tracks that dominate most of the score. Jan A. P. Kaczmarek – Finding Neverland Discovered this one thanks to its Oscar win. The solo piano pieces are the ones I keep coming back to. Kevin Penkin – Star Wars: Visions – The Village Bride This one was brought to my attention not because it is a Star Wars entry (it sounds nothing like one), but because I’m a sucker for New Age vibes, and there is a tune at the beginning of the album (1:07-2:45) that's just amazing. Yann Tiersen – Amélie Much like Finding Neverland, I mostly stick to the solo piano pieces here. Torin Borrowdale – Alto's Adventure I came across this one in a mobile video game I picked up during the pandemic. The cue “Zen Mode” (7:28) starts off sounding like a simple, repetitive piece for piano and synth strings, but around 4:03 it blossoms into some of the most comforting and uplifting music I’ve ever heard. And the shift at 5:33… oh my. Still gives me chills, even after all this time.

I watched Van Helsing (2004) back in those days just to go along with friends, even though the genre has never been my thing. The lesson? Stretching your tastes just to fit in usually isn’t worth it - though Silvestri’s score has remained a favorite of mine for over two decades. On the other hand, I really enjoyed Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity (2013), but the score - well, I admit it was silly to expect something like Horner’s Apollo 13 for this film, yet for some reason, that’s exactly what I did - and it completely threw me off. Yes, Apollo 13 has been an all-time favorite - for both the movie and the score - and I find myself subconsciously expecting something in that vein every time a vaguely similar production comes along. Not surprisingly that has destroyed many other movie experiences for me.

Every generation thinks the next one has lower standards. I’m not any different. We are talking about music here, but I feel the same way about other trends too — like ripped jeans being high fashion. Tattoos becoming the norm. I just don’t get it. But in the case of music, I believe it has been said before; we probably remember the past in the best light. We compare today’s average songs with the best from previous decades — the ones that survived in our minds because they were really great. Back then, the forgettable stuff just disappeared. Now everything gets aired and remains online, so we see (and hear) all of it. On top of that, life feels more intense in general. Social media, more demanding jobs, competitive workplaces, constant upskilling — and nonstop distractions everywhere. I know that has affected my life to a great degree. My attention span feels much shorter than it used to be. I no longer feel like sitting down and really dive into something complex - not just in music, but even video games. Hey I used to spend countless hours trying to perfect my playthough of tactical stealth games. Now I cannot stand a minute of it. I look for things that hit immediately — emotionally or visually. Perhaps this is what is going on elsewhere too? Maybe standards didn’t fall. Maybe the criteria have just changed.

"James Newton Howard, great composer, good friend. Right, James? Right?" --Alan Silvestri (Source: Instagram Post)

Why?

Been there since mid 2000's. Account remains active. Website sure does have quirks here and there. Haven't seen how it behaves on cellphones. I sure dislike how everything is now delivered to the masses in "Early Access", unfinished state. I can understand how it might help with decision makings and development process, but from a user's experience point of view it is not appreciated.

I have yet to give the Wicked for Good a listen, but as far as "best use of Choir" is concerned Powell has yet to top "Helicopter Dance" from "Rat Race" for me. The choir in that cue is insane!

So, it appears that the music we've heard was actually MG's second attempt at scoring this film. https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/michael-giacchino-other-score-fantastic-four

I anticipate this will be a step up from the original. If only because he is not overbooked like he used to back in the days. In the end though, one good lengthy suite would be more than enough for me. These are what I tend to revisit from his works in general anyway.

Definitely one of MG's most enjoyable works of recent years. Doctor Strange remains my most favorite work of his for this genre but this one is right up there next to it. Love that four-note "Fan. tas. tic. Fouuuuuuur!" motif whenever it appears. Makes me think of times when life wasn't so overly complex, and things didn't need to be dark and serious to be deemed "cool" or "modern".