Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (Original Motion Picture Score)

The animated film Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas has drawn from composer Harry Gregson-Williams a big, old-fashioned orchestral score to go with its large-scale adventure approach. Gregson-Williams employs an 80-piece symphony orchestra and the Metro Voices oohing and aahing to accompany the cartoon feature to stirring, occasionally bombastic effect. It isn't often that a film composer gets to pull out all the stops in going for thrilling effects, and Gregson-Williams has made the most of this opportunity, overwhelming the listener with cues that suggest the movie is meant to be a roller coaster ride of larger-than-life entertainment. Naturally, things slow down here and there; "The Stowaway," which introduces a theme for Marina, a character who challenges Sinbad's reckless intentions, is a quieter piece, while "Chipped Paint" is lyrical and haunting. But within seconds ("The Giant Fish"), we are back to suspense and danger, signaled by quick tempos and dramatic themes that jump from the strings to the reeds. Gregson-Williams doesn't break any new ground here (and you'd hardly expect him to for a film intended for younger viewers), but he adds considerably to the film's already over the top style.