North

As far as I can tell, the film is kind of a Richie Rich type spoiled child, but with the kid divorces his parents and then goes out to find some new parents. Well, sounds like the kind of thing that a lot of kids think at one time or other. Of course it all ends up in syrupy sentimental land and everyone realises that they were wrong. Or something like that. Anyway, whatever happened, Marc Shaiman obviously knew that this should be a whimsical score for a very whimsical film. No better is this summed up in his warm and occasionally playful main theme which echoes James Horner in style with the odd harmonic progression. It's a very adaptable theme that is used in a variety of ways throughout. Actually, it's used rather a lot throughout, perhaps a little too often; even though the variations are often interesting, the same theme does get a fraction tiresome after a while. I guess it's the fact that Shaiman knows he has, a good theme that works for more introspective moments, but also sounds great as bouncing incidental travelling music as North ventures from one part of the globe to the other. The other major feature of this score is the use of other bits of songs and theme tunes. Some are very naff and cliche. No, tell a lie, all of them are naff cliche and next to Shaiman's very gentle and affecting music seem a little out of place.

Elijah Wood, is, sadly not the world's greatest singer and his performance of If I Were a Rich Man is touchingly misguided to the point of embaressing, sounding even more odd for being bookended by some jazzy bits. The other bits and bobs, including a rather enjoyably over the top take on the theme from Dallas - does any other theme sum up Texan oil barons better? - as well as Bonanza which is sung (badly, but amusingly) by messrs McEntire and Aykroyd. Hawaii, as suggested below, a selection of the cheesiest hoola music in the world. They could at least have picked Hawaii 5-0 or something. Oh well. Some of the other little snippets I didn't recognise, which is perhaps just as well since they stand out less. Of course, Shaiman's underscore is mostly effective, if basically predictable selections. North Goes to Court starts with an enthusiastic march as all visits to court in comedy films require. Let's Get Crackin' is another fun take on the main theme with bouncing strings and breezy brass (alliteration anyone?) The Secret Spot on the other hand is a bit more gentle and is a great sampling of the best the score has to offer - that lovely main theme. The final few tracks feature some of Marc Shaiman's typically bouyant and excitable action music and topped off by a predicatbly mushy ending.

I guess it's a pretty mixed bag; a great theme that is a fraction overused, a few horribly out of place song selections that do on occasion ruin the flow of the music and spoil the excellent production values by including horrible singing. I must say at this point that I don't mind singing that is enthusiastic even if it's not greatly in tune - I do like Randy Newman after all - but there are limits. Those who like Shaiman's music will probably love his selections since they are tuneful and warm hearted - as usual - but might be disappointed as I was with the other material. If you see it for cheap, pick it up, listen, pick your favourite tracks and then programme your player for the best musical experience.