The Amazing Spider-Man Reboot composer? - Part 1

[Jexx]

I personally felt like the score was very complimentary to the scenes. I actually have no complaints about the score when coupled with the movie.

 

[©KAW]

This is the way a score is supposed to be handled for a comic book film, as if you're not trying to outdo the Superman (John Williams) score, but instead, putting music that enhance the scene. I like this score aces better than Danny Elfman's effort and Hans Zimmer's TDK score.

 

[Nathan]

Loved the score. Apart from the Main Theme, I never really cared for Elfman's Score. But I repeatedly listen to tracks like 'Ben's Death', 'Saving New York', 'Lizard at School' and 'Oscorp Tower'.

 

[A Necessary Evil]

I think Elfman and Young's efforts were better, however I think Horner still did a pretty bangup job. I haven't heard a bad SM movie score yet.

 

[Elevator Man]

This is the way a score is supposed to be handled for a comic book film, as if you're not trying to outdo the Superman (John Williams) score, but instead, putting music that enhance the scene. I like this score aces better than Danny Elfman's effort and Hans Zimmer's TDK score.

With all your dislike of Horner's music. Kind of surprised you liked his AS-M score at all. I liked what I heard in the film eventhough I wasn't paying too much attention to the score as I was watching the film itself. I did feel the music enhance some scenes though. It didn't take me out of the film or distract me from what's happening on screen. Like it did for some, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

 

[©KAW]

I didn't think I'd like it either, what surprised me is that Horner didn't approach the score like it was a comic book film. He scored this film like it was Lord of the Rings or Gladiator (on a smaller scale). I swore that he would just put out a generic Fantastic Four or Ghost Rider type comic book score and call it a day, just to get paid.

All I know is, I want James Horner back for the sequel even if Marc Webb isn't directing it. I give this score an 8.5/10. If I keep listening to it, I may change that 8.5 to a 9.

 

[Elevator Man]

I have yet to pick it up but I plan on it. I agree Horner approached this like a movie instead of a comic book/ superhero movie blockbuster. I like that he took a unique approach with this. I agree I would like to see or hear where Horner takes this in sequels.

 

[Jexx]

This score is def a 9/10 for me, due to how much I listen to it..

 

[spider-neil]

I will agree with you here

Some of the music Horner made sounds a bit like it belongs to Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends, or rather inspired by music of that show, it threw me off, and made me enjoy the movie less

For me, that's a plus not a minus as I absolutely LOVE Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends

ICEMAN and FIRESTAR!!!

 

[OP84CC82]

Anyone know what other songs were in the film aside from "Til' Kingdom Come" by Coldplay?

 

[Jexx]

"No Way Down" by The Shins

 

[Spider-Aziz]

How exactly would this fit an animated series aimed at kids?

Better than it fits a multi-million dollar movie? I said it sounds inspired by it

For me, that's a plus not a minus as I absolutely LOVE Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends

ICEMAN and FIRESTAR!!!

Sounds great on a cartoon

 

[Jexx]

I felt that the score fit the movie very well.. but I probably said that a bunch of times already.

 

[Spuzz]

James Horner's great. His score just wasn't as emotional or memorable as Elfman's for the originals. Carter Burwell makes great moody memorable music. My vote goes for him considering he's never done a superhero film. An unorthodox pic but ynever know!

 

[©KAW]

I found Horner's score very emotional and never felt that way about Elfman's Spidey score, which sounds too much like his previous works. The fact that Horner never scored a comic book film was a plus for me. I sure hope he returns.

 

[Oscorp]

I found Horner's score very emotional and never felt that way about Elfman's Spidey score, which sounds too much like his previous works. The fact that Horner never scored a comic book film was a plus for me. I sure hope he returns.

I agree!

 

[BREAD WARRIOR]

Sorry but this has been bothering me forever. What's the song that plays when Peter return Jack to his Dad on the bridge. It's sad sounding and it comes right before the "I'm Spiderman" moment.

 

[A Necessary Evil]

Soundtrack cue name :
The bridge

Recording sessions cue name :
4m6 Lizard on the Bridge

 

[BREAD WARRIOR]

Thanks! Just downloaded that and then "I Cant See You Anymore". Maybe I'm wrong but I feel like they cut part of that into when Jack is handed over to his dad.

 

[AF3619]

[YT]DYZKz5TRMy4[/YT]
Post it long ago but here is Spiderman´s(Raimi) with James Horner "Promises/End Credits"

 

[LegendAssemble]

While I preffer Elfman's score over Horners I love the melodramatic score he gave us. This movie reminded me of Kick-Ass on steroids and I thought a score like this, that feels very grounded in the real world, with occasional over the top comic book cues was just what the doctor called for. However the real gem in the movie was Marc Webbs song selection, No Way Down was absolutely perfect for Peters introduction and really sums up his character, the song has a chipper and depressing vibe at the same time. One of several reason why, although I'm happy the writers got the boot, I'm hoping we get to keep Mr.Webb.

 

[Oscorp]

I agree about the song picks. 'Til Kingdom Come was so perfect

 

[Elevator Man]

I know this is way late, but I wanted to share my opinion on the score anyway.

So I finally got the opportunity to listen to TAS-M score outside the film today. I thought it was great on album. Definitely one of the better superhero scores in the past few years, imo. I also enjoyed this score more than Silvestri's The Avengers score (though it has it moments). It had a lot of things that was lacking in The Avengers score, imo. And though I haven't heard Zimmer's "lackluster" TDKR score outside the film. I know it won't measure up to Horner's TAS-M either.

Tracks that grabbed my attention on first listen were "Main Title-Young Peter", Becoming Spiderman", "Ben's Death", "Metamorphosis", "The Bridge", "Making A Silk Trap", "Lizard At School!", "Saving New York" (which is the highlight of the album, imo), "Oscorp Tower", "I Can't See You Anymore", and "Promises-Spiderman End Titles".

Just like Elfman found out what made Tobey/Raimi's Peter Parker tick as well as what the core of Spiderman 1 and 2 was musically. Horner found what made Garfield/Webb's Parker tick and the heart of the film, imho. Though I'm a big fan of Elfman's two Spidey scores. I'm not going to compare 'em to Horner's and pick which is better. With that said Horner did an excellent job putting his voice and stamp on this take on Spider-man.

It's one of his more creative and inspiring scores from the past few years, imo. I didn't find Horner on autopilot on this one either. He stepped up and came up with some great ideas. Something I wish Silvestri did with The Avengers instead sounding like leftovers of GI Joe :TROC and The A-Team.

I found his theme for Spider-man not only very catchy, but noble, hopeful, triumphant, and at times exhilarating. The theme really gives me the idea of the responsibility and power of being Spider-man. And Parker being able to use it to do the right thing.

His secondary theme or b theme, imo, captures the different feelings and emotions of Peter. It seizes his moments of turmoil and frustration, his feelings for Gwen, his guilt over Ben etc. It really is Peter's emotional theme. To me this theme gets inside this protrayal of Peter's heart and emotions. Horner turns the theme from sad, romantic, angry, to hopeful etc. He makes good use of the theme throughout the album especially in "I Can't See You Anymore".

I found the Lizard's motif very hostile in the few tracks it's in. It's not really a strong villain theme but then again Lizard came off like a typical comic book villain with little depth. So I can't blame Horner. When the motif appears it did give me the sense of danger. Kind of like how the Jaws theme did when you knew the shark was coming in Jaws. I'm not saying the theme is in the same league as the Jaws theme but that Horner took a similar approach.

I know many complained about some of the decisions Horner made with the vocals, "snapping fingers", and "slamming piano keys". I felt it made the score fresh (whether it worked or not) from the usual superhero/ action blockbuster scores in the past decade. I definitely prefer this over the typical MV/RC scores we get in most of the current action movies. I also found the vocals added some dramatic weight in some cues. It even adds a certain innocence to Peter. The vocals for the cue "The Bridge" added the perfect amount of tension and suspense as Spidey tries to save the boy on the bridge. I liked that Horner experimented with different ideas. Instead of going the generic approach (MV/RC approach).


I also noticed that Horner was able to do some of the things Elfman did but differently. What I mean is both composers took different approaches of getting into the heart of the characters, story, and films. While at the same time nailing the essence of Spider-man, imo. Both figured out the psychology of their particular Parkers. As well as the consequences of Peter taking on his responsibilitues. Both composers gave me the feeling of what it must feel like to be Spider-man.

This is definitely the best superhero score of the year. Probably one of the more enjoyable scores of this year too. The album has a good balance of action and drama. Though it's 77 minutes long. The pacing didn't bother me too much.The score didn't feel very typical of Horner to the point of self parody. Though I heard certain Horner-isms in a few tracks, which wasn't a big deal. And it didn't ruin the score for me either. It's definitely one of Horner's more inspiring scores. I'm sure I will notice more things after repeated listenings and repeated viewings of the film. Great score overall.

 

[UltimateWebhead]

Spoiler

I know this is way late, but I wanted to share my opinion on the score anyway.

So I finally got the opportunity to listen to TAS-M score outside the film today. I thought it was great on album. Definitely one of the better superhero scores in the past few years, imo. I also enjoyed this score more than Silvestri's The Avengers score (though it has it moments). It had a lot of things that was lacking in The Avengers score, imo. And though I haven't heard Zimmer's "lackluster" TDKR score outside the film. I know it won't measure up to Horner's TAS-M either.

Tracks that grabbed my attention on first listen were "Main Title-Young Peter", Becoming Spiderman", "Ben's Death", "Metamorphosis", "The Bridge", "Making A Silk Trap", "Lizard At School!", "Saving New York" (which is the highlight of the album, imo), "Oscorp Tower", "I Can't See You Anymore", and "Promises-Spiderman End Titles".

Just like Elfman found out what made Tobey/Raimi's Peter Parker tick as well as what the core of Spiderman 1 and 2 was musically. Horner found what made Garfield/Webb's Parker tick and the heart of the film, imho. Though I'm a big fan of Elfman's two Spidey scores. I'm not going to compare 'em to Horner's and pick which is better. With that said Horner did an excellent job putting his voice and stamp on this take on Spider-man.

It's one of his more creative and inspiring scores from the past few years, imo. I didn't find Horner on autopilot on this one either. He stepped up and came up with some great ideas. Something I wish Silvestri did with The Avengers instead sounding like leftovers of GI Joe :TROC and The A-Team.

I found his theme for Spider-man not only very catchy, but noble, hopeful, triumphant, and at times exhilarating. The theme really gives me the idea of the responsibility and power of being Spider-man. And Parker being able to use it to do the right thing.

His secondary theme or b theme, imo, captures the different feelings and emotions of Peter. It seizes his moments of turmoil and frustration, his feelings for Gwen, his guilt over Ben etc. It really is Peter's emotional theme. To me this theme gets inside this protrayal of Peter's heart and emotions. Horner turns the theme from sad, romantic, angry, to hopeful etc. He makes good use of the theme throughout the album especially in "I Can't See You Anymore".

I found the Lizard's motif very hostile in the few tracks it's in. It's not really a strong villain theme but then again Lizard came off like a typical comic book villain with little depth. So I can't blame Horner. When the motif appears it did give me the sense of danger. Kind of like how the Jaws theme did when you knew the shark was coming in Jaws. I'm not saying the theme is in the same league as the Jaws theme but that Horner took a similar approach.

I know many complained about some of the decisions Horner made with the vocals, "snapping fingers", and "slamming piano keys". I felt it made the score fresh (whether it worked or not) from the usual superhero/ action blockbuster scores in the past decade. I definitely prefer this over the typical MV/RC scores we get in most of the current action movies. I also found the vocals added some dramatic weight in some cues. It even adds a certain innocence to Peter. The vocals for the cue "The Bridge" added the perfect amount of tension and suspense as Spidey tries to save the boy on the bridge. I liked that Horner experimented with different ideas. Instead of going the generic approach (MV/RC approach).


I also noticed that Horner was able to do some of the things Elfman did but differently. What I mean is both composers took different approaches of getting into the heart of the characters, story, and films. While at the same time nailing the essence of Spider-man, imo. Both figured out the psychology of their particular Parkers. As well as the consequences of Peter taking on his responsibilitues. Both composers gave me the feeling of what it must feel like to be Spider-man.

This is definitely the best superhero score of the year. Probably one of the more enjoyable scores of this year too. The album has a good balance of action and drama. Though it's 77 minutes long. The pacing didn't bother me too much.The score didn't feel very typical of Horner to the point of self parody. Though I heard certain Horner-isms in a few tracks, which wasn't a big deal. And it didn't ruin the score for me either. It's definitely one of Horner's more inspiring scores. I'm sure I will notice more things after repeated listenings and repeated viewings of the film. Great score overall.

Great review.

 

[Elevator Man]

In case anybody hasn't seen or heard this yet. Just found this cool medley somebody performed (RedCaio) and posted on YT using certain themes (Elfman's Spiderman and Doc Ock themes, Young's Black Suit Spiderman theme, and Horner's Spiderman theme) from the Spider-man film scores. Also like the way he (or she) blended both Elfman's and Horner's theme together at 4:06-4:57.

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