As some of you may know... this is the movie that is "supposed to" compete with Disney's Mulan. I saw an advanced screening of the movie three weeks ago. My original reaction to the movie was that "IT SUCKS" but the more I think about it, it's not that bad actually. And I bought the soundtrack yesterday just for the heck of it.
There are seven new songs and two scores.
The soundtrack features: Leann Rimes
Celine Dion
Steve Perry
The Corrs
Bryan White
Gary Oldman
Andrea Bocelli
Eric Idle and Don Rickles
First impression: The songs were produced by David Foster, thus Celine Dion's appearance in the movie. the songs are not "Broadway-like", the singers don't act out as much like Disney musical features. The folks at Warner Bros are trying to get away from the traditional Disney music. It's a fresh start but it's still not as good as the music as in say...Pocahontas. The people singing do not go over the board as they would again like Broadway.
With the singing kept at bay, the emotional aspect of the songs are compromised. Sometimes, the instrumental are louder than the voices so as you can tell, the voices are not as emphasized. Warner Bros might have thought it was a good move, but I don't think so because the songs seem dull and boring compared to Disney standards. One thing that they made sure of is that most of the songs are very radio-adult-contemporary-friendly.
I'll go through the songs one by one in order as they appear in the CD.
1. Looking Through Your Eyes by Leann Rimes this song is the love theme in the movie. I expected more from this Grammy winner. She delivered, but still not enough. I also wanted more of a distinction between the duet in the movie and Rimes' rendition.
2. I Stand Alone by Steve Perry bad. That's all I can say.
3. The Prayer by Celine Dion this is definitely the best song in the movie. This is actually the song that is played in the feature. Celine is the singing voice for Lady Julianne. Celine is surprisingly effective and affective. Very emotional. She doesn't get very loud. She's actually very subtle and her "prayer" is believable. When this song was played in the movie, it is the only song that I felt truly involved in. Lyrics are good. This song may be forgotten because it's not catchy or memorably funny. While the other songs are really dull, this one comes the closest to "Disney".
4. United We Stand - ensemble opening anthem. it pales in comparison to "Virginia Company" and "Steady as the Beating Drum" anthems in Pocahontas.
5. On My Father's Wings - Andrea Corrs Although her voice is limiting, she has a really nice soothing voice. No doubt about that. The first part of the song is okay, but then it gets routine-like. Needs more variation within the song.
6. Looking Through Your Eyes - Andrea Corrs and Bryan White Same song that Leann Rimes sings. After awhile through out the duet, Bryan's voice gets a little irritating. But then, Andrea's voice saves it with her high-pitched singing.
7. Ruber - Gary Oldman Bad. Bad. Bad. More focussed on the plot than on the melody, but I don't fault them for that. But it's still bad. Could've been more interesting. Could've been better. And as for Gary Oldman, not a bad job! You were pretty good at being bad!
8. I Stand Alone - Bryan White I dont fault Bryan White... actually I kinda do. His delivery is not believable. What ever happened to Garrett's "Inner pain" for being blind? Lyrics are not bad, but because the singing is softer than the instrumental, it can't be emphasized or heard as much. To me, it's not distinctive enough. Sounds very the same as Steve Perry's rendition
9. If I Didn't Have You - Eric Idle and Don Rickles Not bad. I found this song funny in the movie. But it is no "Hakuna Matata" or "A Friend Like Me". But it's better than "A Guy Like You"
10. Dragon Attack/Forbidden Forest 11. The Battle 12. Looking Through Your Eyes (Instrumental) all of these three are forgettable I don't see a point why they had to make an instrumental version of Looking Through Your Eyes. The "orchestra" sounds like digital synthesizers to me. Not a good arrangement. Get away from the keyboards, Mr.David Foster. 13. The Prayer - Andrea Bocelli great voice. I like the translating parts.
Do I recommend seeing the movie? Well... for little kids, sure why not? I'm not too thrilled with the movie. I give it a "B-". But there are certain redeeming aspects of the movie that I liked and took note of. To tell you the truth, I actually plan to see it again and I'm taking my little brothers with me.
Do I recommend buying the CD soundtrack? I give the CD a "C"...well... go see the movie first.... then decide.
Maloney
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