Even though I am using school as the main excuse for my participatory absence, I think the true reason is my growing discontent (and disenchantment) for fictional narrative films and "movies" in general. I have not really actively watched any movies, with the exception of Beyond the Mat, a documentary about the wrestling industry. It will be interesting to see if my newly-subscribed cable/satellite system will alleviate my hatred for narrative films. Two "independent" movies have already proven themselves as positive surprises: Heavy (1995) and Lawn Dogs (1997). As Good As It Gets also managed to surprise me (even though I had seen it once before my current viewings), as Mr. Udall and I share MANY similarities. As for Heavy, it is the dream film that I would like to make (if I were a filmmaker making fictional films). Heavy is mostly silent, with thought-provoking, introspective music accompanying the silent scenes. All of you should check out how well the music is used in that movie.

Anyway, back to something that's probably more relevant to those of you who are now bored with my rant: film scores. I am currently unemployed and in dire need of new scores. What an irony, you would say, "This guy's a hypocrite, he loves film music but he hates movies!" Well, folks? I agree with you wholeheartedly!! I take back everything I said a long time ago about never listening to scores for movies I have not seen. Now, speaking months later, I no longer need to see a movie first to listen to its music. As a matter of fact, I don't even need to see the movie at all! That's right, I was wrong about this subject and I stand corrected.

Here's a list in no particular order of some scores that have caught my interest, all of which I would like to ask all of your for your thoughts or reviews on:

1. Deep Rising
2. Superman 2-Disc (is it realllllly worth buying if you already have the one-disc version??)
3. Mission Impossible 2 (YEAH!!!! But what's the release date again?)
4. Mission To Mars
5. Small Soldiers
6. Bowfinger (where's the score?)
7. Gladiator (Zimmer rules!! YEAH!!!!)
8. American Beauty
9. Angela's Ashes (what's the difference between the dialogue and no dialogue versions?)
10. Hoffa

Other scores I am looking for but cannot afford or find:

1. ANY Hans Zimmer unreleased scores/bootlegs: The Fan, Toys, Days of Thunder, Thelma & Louise, As Good As It Gets, etc.
2. Armageddon (full score)
3. Bad Boys (full score)
4. Big

Information on where I can find these releases (hopefully original copies) at reasonable prices will be sincerely appreciated....Thanks!

I'm not sure if there's such a dichotomy between loving a film's score and hating the film. I'd be just as happy with THE MUMMY if I'd never seen the picture (and once again, I didn't HATE THE MUMMY, it just wasn't that special to me.)

SMALL SOLDIERS: the Varese CD is one of those 30-minute jobbies, decent on its own, but I know there's tons more music in the picture (which I suffered through principally to hear what Goldsmith was up to -- I DO prefer to hear his stuff against the image the first time, as I find it enriches the album experience, whether I liked the movie or not.) I understand there's at least one expanded bootleg floating around as well.

Mission To Mars is a must. Just don't expect the usual Space-movie sound. It's Morricone. Musically, he always takes the road less traveled, so you try not to 'expect' anything.

If you find Hoffa for a good price, you should pick it up. The best moments are variations of the piece that is heard in so many previews. Those moments are the reason to get this one.

Good luck!

Anyway Norman, glad to see you back around these parts. Here are my opinions on the scores you mentioned, that I have heard.

Deep Rising - Not one of Goldsmith's best, but it does have a catchy main title and Goldsmith's very cool pounding drums that he does so well. I don't know if this one is worth paying full price for, try to find it used.

Mission to Mars - Although I think that this music was totally out of place in the film, it does sound really good on CD. I just try to imagine a different movie when spinning this disk.

Small Soldiers - I love the themes that Goldsmith composed for this one, some militaristic and others more fantasy sounding cues. I do think that the Varese release left out too much music though, if you want the Expanded bootleg, let me know.

Hoffa - One of David Newman's best. Al is right, this one is worth it just to hear the source of that great trailer music you hear on a lot of different trailers.

Days of Thunder, Thelma & Louise and As Good As It Gets - I would recommend all of these Zimmer scores. Days and Thelma are more quintessential Zimmer music, a lot of electronics and some great action music. As Good As It Gets is more orchestral with beautiful themes.

Armageddon - This one has a lot of great action music. A little repetitive at times but you definitely need the full score release to get Gregson-Williams wonderful contribution to this fun action score.

Bad Boys - This is one of my all time favorite scores, and tops my "top five must have promo scores" list. Mancina combines the usual Zimmer like action music with his own almost hip hop beats. It is just so much fun to listen to.