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Consider this
the Mark 2 score for
Iron Man. Taking over where Ramin Djawadi
left off, John Debney assumes control of the composing duties for Iron Man
and delivers an impressive and confident score. While the nifty new theme
that was created for Iron Man 2 is not
used as much as I would have liked, this effort by Debney delivers an
ironclad good time!
The key difference between the two
Iron Man
scores is that this one feels a bit more complete and there is more depth
with the orchestra. The rock and roll guitar components are well represented
for sure, but Debney ensures that the orchestral influence is given its due
in a variety of ways. Most noticeably, there are quite a few segments in
which the heroic melodies are ushered forward while in other instances there
is bold action material to represent the clash of characters. Not to be
counted out, however, are the secondary touches that listener can enjoy,
which include old fashioned romance cues and an influence of science fiction.
In short, this one is filled to the very brim with fun genre access points
and it's all brought together in a cohesive fashion.
As far as a
downside to Iron Man 2? Not much to
speak of. Granted, the new main theme is not employed enough until the
finale (where it's heard in full), but the score is such an absorbing
listening experience that one can accept this rather easily. Perhaps the
best way to indulge is to enjoy each individual track for what it offers and
embrace the overall tone as the representative "sound" for Iron Man.
While many
frowned upon the first score in this franchise, I thought that it serviced
the film fairly well. Where I agree with the majority is that Iron
Man 1 couldn't sustain itself on stand-alone
listening sessions. Debney's influence, however, takes the music of Iron Man
out of theaters and into the home speakers as this is the type of score that
you can listen to many times apart from the show. I dig the attitude, the
rock and roll drive, and the overall world that Debney shaped musically.
Tony Stark and company are certainly in good hands here!
An exciting and rather determined piece of work, Iron Man 2 delivers a score
that many had been hoping to hear in the franchise. While it won't please
everyone (what superhero score does?), it is entertaining from start to
finish and it will do well on repeat listens. Be sure to pick this one up in
early July!
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