Trapped in Paradise

Robert Folk is a composer I find myself comparing to David Newman. Both generally write solid, if slightly unexceptional scores for often mediocre or worse films. Of course both have had some high spots and really can be quite inspired, but are rarely given the opportunity. However, Trapped in Paradise falls firmly in the field of a solid score for a fairly dismal film. A comedy about three bank robbers who are trapped in the town of Paradise where they are hosted by the charming inhabitants, unaware of the robbery they have just committed. Cute.

Robert Folk's score is something of a mish mash of styles that moves from brisk orchestral set pieces to a curious bluesy style. Neither really blend terribly well together, especially given that the orchestral sections have a very Christmassy feel, something that isn't really easy to suggest with bluesy music. The highlights are almost certainly the flighty orchestral sections; The Getaway, The River and The Sled Chase are all well written, pseudo John Williams style balletic writing. For a comedy, these cues have a fairly serious sounding edge, which is no bad thing as it balances the few treacle laden moments.

The album is rounded out by a couple of Christmas classics, neither of which I care for much, especially Do You Hear What I Hear? which I honestly find exceptionally naff. Folk's score is good fun, but as I said, somewhat unexceptional. Rather than give an interesting twist, the few additions - the harmonica and the blues/jazz sections - don't really sound happy next to the balletic moments, which are all orchestrated to the hilt (by Folk himself). Sub Home Alone, but not without its high points.