by Jeremy on 7/11/2002
favorite track: 6
 
Isham's score is a takeoff, almost, of Newman's work earlier in 2001. "If I could Kiss You" and "Round Robin" are both very tribal sounding, utilizing vibes, marimbas and xylophones. There is nothing new about these modern but tribal tracks. The true inspiration and innovation in the score is in the more touching and serious cues. In "Tear It Down," Isham is able to resound a very simple, yet very interesting theme, one that could be manipulated into being something happy, but on the same note has a level of solemn tragedy hidden away inside. It acts as the main theme for the picture and the soundtrack. "A Leap" and occuring again in "I'll Take This One" is the building theme, a fun (almost classical) theme that pushes at motivation and undertones the building of the house in the movie. I love this theme. It's truly one of the more happy ones in the film. Overall the score is good, with interesting themes (if not a little overdone in some tracks) and an intresting use of score. The only downfall of the score is the similarities between many of the tracks. In the middle, Isham hits a slump, where every track is the same theme, only thrown out in a different way... which is a little dull. However, buy the CD for the interesting themes, and the neat "motivational" music in tracks 6 and 12! ENJOY!