Ive seen
Spider-Man: Homecoming twice in theaters already. And Ive enjoyed it both times. Its easily right up there with the first two Raimi Spider-Man movies for me. Both Tom Holland and Michael Keaton gave excellent performances and pretty much carried the movie, imo. Even though I normally dont pay too much attention to the score on my first viewings unless its too distracting or conspicuous in the movie, but I thought Michael Giacchinos score was very effective in the film. His Spider-man theme even resonated with me afterwards. On my second viewing the score was still effective but stood out even more for me. I was able to comprehend Vultures theme and Iron Man/Tony Starks new theme/motif a bit better.
The
Spider-Man: Homecoming album opens with a brisk arrangement of the iconic original 60s theme (minus the lyrics) titled Theme From Spider-Man (Original Television Series), which played over the Marvel Studios logo in the film. Its a clever reminder to the listener/viewer that this iteration of Spidey is apart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As well as Spidey being somewhat back home at Marvel. As much as Ive enjoyed the previous themes/motifs for Spider-Man by Danny Elfman, James Horner, and Hans Zimmer from previous installments. I must admit that it was pretty cool hearing the original 60s theme open the score album to Spideys first solo movie in the MCU. I just wish it couldve been utilized more in the score instead of once. Normally when an established theme is used to open the film through logos or main titles its usually there to set the tone of what to expect from the score. I felt that it was a missed opportunity to adapt the theme only for a brief logo sequence. It would be like a
Mission Impossible movie had adapted the iconic Mission Impossible theme in the title sequence only but was absent for the remainder of the movie/score. I understand why they chose for it to appear during the Marvel Studios logo only because Spidey is now apart of the MCU, but I dont think that cue (as good it was) did it enough justice. It mostly just came and went. Plus I think the 60s theme couldve played a more integral role in this score because the previous Spider-Man scores chose to avoid the theme and compose their own, which never bothered me. However I think it was a missed opportunity here because this Spider-Man is apart of the MCU. It wouldve been more fitting for this film to utilize the 60s theme more. Its very surprising that Giacchino avoided it for the remainder of the film. He normally hasnt any problem with adapting iconic themes (
Mission Impossible 3 and
Ghost Protocol,
Speed Racer, etc.) Even the Spider-Man: Homecoming Suite, which played during the end credits roll, avoided using the 60s theme. At least if they adapted it into the suite it couldve bookend the album. However, its a minor quibble that doesnt hurt the score regardless.
Giacchinos Spider-Man theme is very upbeat, playful and catchy. It has a little bit of a swing jazz feel during certain moments. The theme characterizes Peters enthusiasm of trying to make a difference as Spider-Man. Certain moments in the score the theme reflects Peters excitement of being Spider-Man, which during most of the film seems to be the highlight of Peters day. Even though the main theme is very catchy. It could use a bit more nuance. Giacchino mostly depicts Spideys wit and heroics with fun, heroic, and triumphant arrangements of his theme. The main theme pretty much roots for Peter to succeed, but its lacking an emotional secondary theme or arrangement of the main theme. A Stark Contrast (moment where Peter kindly refuses Tonys offer to finally become a member of The Avengers) is the only track where the theme is played more sentimental and emotional. However, that cue takes place near the end of the album and film. I think the theme is lacking on depicting Peters more emotional and sympathetic side. And because of that the theme becomes a little repetitive at times. Thats why I think the score could not only benefit from a more emotional theme or variation of the main theme but the 60s theme being used for the more integral moments in the score/film. The 60s theme couldve not only represent moments of triumph but Peters maturity into Spider-Man during certain moments. After all this version is a more inexperience Spider-Man, whos still learning how to balance high school, growing up, responsibilities, and crime fighting. It wouldve been interesting hearing Giacchino alternate between his theme and 60s theme with both sometimes playing counterpoint to one another. Its still a catchy and fun main theme regardless.
Vultures theme, which reminded me of Phillip Glass and Marco Beltramis
Fantastic Four (2015) main theme, is very sinister and menacing. Even though I think its a catchy villain theme its also very bombastic and noisy throughout most of the tracks it appears in. I feel like Giacchino was trying very hard to make Vulture more intimidating than he needed to be. And that he was also trying compete with the sound effects sometimes. Especially with all the banging of drums. Again its another theme that could use more nuance. Aside from The World Is Changing (Toomes intro and origin into how he turned to a life of crime during the prologue) and Pop Vulture (Peter and Toomes tense conversation in the car outside the homecoming dance) the theme doesnt have enough depth to it. Theres a more earnest and pleasant variation of the Vulture theme during the beginning of The World Is Changing. It was a nice transition to a hard working class man trying to provide for his family to a weapons dealer/criminal/thief trying to provide for his family. The Vulture theme during Pop Vulture was very eerie and creepy, which gave me Green Goblin vibe musically. Obviously in context of the scene it was suppose to be unsettling. Aside from those two tracks I wish Giacchino couldve been a little more inventive with the Vulture theme. I honestly dont think it depicts the Vulture character the way previous Spidey villain themes did in the previous films e.g. Zimmers Electro theme, Elfmans Doc Ock theme, etc. This theme couldve be interchangeable with any generic villain in a comic book movie or movie in general. Musically I dont get the feel of the character, whos able to soar and fly. Maybe the use of screeching violins couldve help emulate the sound of a vulture. Its not a bad theme but I just wish more thought was put into it because it becomes repetitive and louder by the climax of the album.
Liz Allens theme, which is very similar to Giacchinos love theme from Super 8, is very sentimental. I think it nicely conveys how Peter feels about her. As well as his attraction to her. Unfortunately Lizs theme is very underdeveloped. It appears near the end of No Vault Of My Own (moment where Spidey has a brief conversation (after many others) about Liz with Karen (his suits AI) while trapped in some warehouse for the time to pass), near the end of Monumental Meltdown (during the aftermath of the Monument elevator rescue sequence) and in the middle of Spider-Man: Homecoming Suite. The theme couldve been omitted off the album because it doesnt add much to it, imo. Its a shame that both characters hardly interacted (due to Peter repeatedly bailing on her due to his responsibilities as Spider-Man) in the film because if they did it wouldve allowed Giacchino to flesh out Lizs theme more. [BLACKOUT]Since its revealed by the 3rd act that Toomes was Lizs father. Lizs theme couldve been a more tender and sentimental variation of the Vultures theme. If they had took that approach it wouldve been clever foreshadowing. [/BLACKOUT]Oh well.
Iron Man/Tony Stark is given a new theme/motif. It can be heard at the end of An Old Van Rundown (after Iron Man saves Spidey from drowning in some lake), Ferry Dust Up (when Iron Man stops the ferry from splitting in half with ease) and A Stark Contrast (when Stark decides to recruit Peter as an official member of The Avengers). Though the theme is heroic and simple. Its too noble, inspiring, and optimistic for both Iron Man and Tony Stark, imo. While also lacking that edge and wit Brian Tylers theme gave the character in
Iron Man 3, imo. Speaking of Tyler I know they didnt want to use his theme because they parted ways with him and his themes (as theyve done with previous composers and their themes) after he breached his contract with Marvel to score
Furious 7. However, they shouldve allowed Giacchino to adapt Tylers theme anyway. Not only for musical continuity but because Tylers theme is more fleshed out and have been featured in two MCU movies (
Iron Man 3 and
Avengers: Age Of Ultron) prior. Why introduce a new Iron Man theme in a Spider-Man solo movie anyway? Giacchinos Iron Man theme just comes out of nowhere and only appears briefly during three moments in the score/film without any development. I doubt most listeners will catch it. Then I realize this theme doesnt really depict Iron Man/Tony Stark. It actually represents how Peter feels about Iron Man/Tony. He looks up to Tony as a role model/idol/mentor/father figure in this movie. Tonys the kind of hero he aspires to be and attempts to live up to. That would explain why the theme is too positive, encouraging , motivational, and optimistic for Iron Man. This particular theme could also be seen as an inspirational theme for Peter.
At least they let Giacchino adapt Alan Silvestris main Avengers theme, which appears twice in the score. It opens The World Is Changing, which also means it opens the film. It appears as Toomes is looking at a drawing of The Avengers. The Avengers theme also appears in A Stark Contrast, where during the finale Peter meets with Tony about the Avengers gig while at the Avengers new (?) headquarters. I thought it was very effectively used in the score.
Giacchino came up with a danger motif used during the monument sequence (Monumental Meltdown) as Spidey races to save Ned and his schools academic league before the glowy thing in Neds pocket explodes. Giacchinos danger motif really heightens up the tension and suspense as a chain reaction from the glowy thing begins to lit up and explode. And as Spidey overcomes his fear of heights and attempts to get every passenger off the elevator before it crashes. Giacchinos Spidey theme was very effective in this sequence, imo. I thought it really shined in this moment. Monumental Meltdown is easily the highlight of the album. I remember the scene and music leaving a strong impression on me as well.
Listeners might have issues with some of the actions cues . A lot of em are very bombastic and noisy even. Giacchino does a lot of mickey mousing during most of the action sequences as well. The action music will probably end up more rewarding in context alongside the movie instead of away from it. Again it was like he was competing with the sound effects on whos loudest.
Highlights of the score Theme From Spider-Man (Original Television Series), The World Is Changing Academic Decommitment, On A Ned-To-Know-Basis, No Vault Of His Own, Monumental Meltdown, A Boatload Of Trouble Part 1, A Boatload Of Trouble Part 2, Ferry Dust Up, Stark Raving Mad (very mellow and bittersweet cue that conveys Peters somewhat bland normal life after Stark took the suit from him), Pop Vulture, Lift Off, Fly By Night Operation, Vulture Clash, A Stark Contrast, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Spider-Man: Homecoming Suite featured two easter eggs at the end. The first easter egg was a very short song (at least under a minute long) I cant recall where it took place in the film or why it was even added on the album. The 2nd easter egg was a couple of seconds of a band rehearsal. Both tracks began and ended abruptly while also feeling very out of place. And also came off more as outtakes than easter eggs. Dont understand the reason both were included. If they wanted to put any easter eggs on the album they couldve been more creative. For example, included bonus tracks from the score that werent listed or included on the album as an easter egg. Or included the rehearsals and outtakes of the orchestra performing the 60s Spider-Man theme.
Overall I enjoyed Giacchinos
Spiderman: Homecoming score. Its well paced for a nearly 70 minute album. Even though I wouldve preferred the original 60s theme to be utilized more in the score than just the opening Marvel Studios logo. Giacchinos Spider-Man theme is still very catchy and fits the characters witty personality. Vultures theme is very menacing, bombastic, and catchy also, but like Giacchinos Spider-Man theme it lacks nuance. The rest of the new themes introduced (Liz Allens theme and Tony Stark/Iron Mans theme) are serviceable but underdeveloped. Some of the action cues are very mickey mousey, bombastic and noisy, which may turn off some listeners. Therefore the action cues may seem more effective alongside the film than outside of it. Despite some complaints I think this is a fun and at times exciting score. I also feel that
Spider-Man: Homecoming still manages to hold its own to previous Spider-Man scores, which have mostly been great, imo.
