| Back to the Future Part II |
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Composed by Alan Silvestri |
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Orchestrated by James B. Campbell Conducted by Alan Silvestri Produced by Alan Silvestri Release Date: 1989 |
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Sequels usually work one of two ways. They either remake the original using the money that the first film earned to make it appear more polished (as with The Mummy Returns), or it serves as an actual continuation of the story set forth in the first film (like The Empire Strikes Back). It is usually the sequels that fall into the latter category that make up some of the best. Interestingly, the second "part" in the Back to the Future series makes use of both types in an interesting, and ultimately successful way. While the sequel continues on with the story from the first film (which itself left hooks for a follow-up adventure), it contains plenty of elements that were revamped from the first film. At the same time, the story accomplishes this with a tongue-in-cheek feel that seems to bring to light the old adage that "history always repeats itself." In this, the film works wonderfully. Along those same lines, Silvestri simply retools his music from the first film to fit the storyline. Though that doesn't mean that this score is bereft of any new material, a lot of it will sound familiar to anyone who has association with the first one. This time out however, the score takes a darker tone, in keeping with the warped Alternate 1985 universe. This leads to music that tends to bog down in the middle, unlike the generally crisp pace of the original score. A few new motifs underline this new tone, with one that sounds roughly similar to a theme that was used in the music from the original Star Trek series. I find this to be interesting, but I don't know if it is intentional or just a coincidence. Thankfully, the score manages to pick up speed with the return to the 50s era, beginning with Pair O'Docs (think about it a while and you'll get it). The Tunnel Chase cue continues the fun chase sequences that Silvestri gets a lot of mileage out of from all three scores, though this one tends to drag with its constantly repeating strings. The last three cues end the score beautifully, though the omission of the cue where Marty returns to Doc at the end of the film is a sorely missed. Back to the Future Part II is a solid score to a solid sequel, but for those who've experienced the first score, this one seems a little lacking. It manages to remain somewhat fresh even while Silvestri reincorporates the musical signatures from the first film, though the darker tone can be a little off-putting. *** |
| Track Listing - Total Running Time: 44:38 | |
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