Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that these lush, "retro-futuristic" arrangements are family-friendly without ever being condescending. Most of the tracks are fun instrumentals composed by the brilliant Danny Elfman, but there are also vocal appearances by talented musicians such as Rob Thomas, Rufus Wainwright, and They Might Be Giants.
Families can talk about the importance of background music when watching a movie. How does music set the tone and influence the visuals? Can you use these instrumental tracks to make up your own story using puppets or action figures?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Danny Elfman's loopy orchestral score sets a perfect Back to the Future-esque tone on the MEET THE ROBINSONS SOUNDTRACK. Including peppy pop performances by the likes of Rufus Wainwright ("Another Believer" and "The Motion Waltz"), Rob Thomas ("Little Wonders"), The All-American Rejects ("The Future Has Arrived"), Jamie Cullum ("Where is Your Heart At?" and "Give Me the Simple Life") and Jonas Brothers ("Kids of the Future"), the album's most charming vocal moment is actually They Might Be Giants' grand, jazzy, and cartoonish rendition of "There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" -- an old Disney theme-park chestnut, originally seen at last century's New York World's Fair.
All of the vocal performances are energetic yet smooth, backed by sparkling, imaginative pop and jazz arrangements that impart a somewhat retro-futuristic tone. The orchestral score is full of life, much reminiscent of the composer's earlier work with Tim Burton and The Simpsons. There's no one better suited to the task of creating a musical mood that is both enchanting and cartoon-y, while somehow appealing to all levels of taste and sophistication. Get out that box of old action figures, crank up the music, and have some family fun creating your own stories.
Fans might also enjoy other music by the soundtrack's artists, including Rufus Wainwright, Rob Thomas, and especially They Might Be Giants -- or any other Danny Elfman-composed soundtrack.
Rate It!
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Social Behavior"There's a great, big, beautiful tomorrow/Shining at the end of every day" and "Some like the high road, I like the low road/Free from the care and strife." |
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CommercialismInsert contains pictures of characters from the movie, of course, but Disney showed unusual restraint in refraining from packing the artwork with ads for other products. Some of the musicians are actually credited, too -- Bravo! |
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