Search - David Michael Frank, James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith :: Critic's Choice: Leonard Maltin's Best Movie Themes of the '90s

A great CD for those who appreciate movie themes

gerberagirly | New York, NY United States | 10/06/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoyed this CD because Leonard Martin does a good job in selecting the scores of movies that are special in itself, outside from the context of the movie. His selection is diverse, in the sense that it includes scores of not only the big blockbusters of the 90s (Titanic, Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart), but also of the movies that have already been forgotten (Fast, Cheap and Out of Control, and The Rainmaker). There is reasoning behind such a selection, according to Martin: "Some scores wear well over time and provide a rewarding experience long after the movie begins to recede in one's memory." Martin selects the scores from a variety of film genres (drama, dark comedy, suspense,for example) which translates into a well rounded compilation of musical pieces (classical,spanish-inspired, blues, etc). He also includes liner notes reagrding each selection and composer, which serves as a brief, yet interesting, background regarding each selection. The only qualm that I have with the CD is the abscence of some of my personal favorites, which are certainly memorable both as films and as scores. Reagarding such statements Martin states that "Lists, of course, are highly arbitrary and designed to provoke argument." Moreover, Martin acknowledges that selections are not the only great scores of the past decade; they are, however, among his favorites. I definitely agree with him on this statement. Purchase the CD for not only your favorites but for the nice variety that Martin put together. You will be surprised that you will love the scores, even of the movies you may not have seen!"