As much complaining as I've heard about this
score, is there really anything else Zimmer could've tried within the whole
style of the film? John Woo's style just seems to call for what Zimmer
delivered for M:I 2. I just don't think a fully orchestrated score
would've fitted very well with the visuals. Of course, while most of the
music is performed by a "band" instead of a standard orchestra, it
possesses a bigger feel due to the terrific use of chorus and Latin styled
moments that complement the rest of the score quite nicely.
While many may not agree with this statement, I
think Zimmer did a terrific job given that he tackled this assignment right
after Gladiator. While it may be a rock
score, Zimmer still doesn't neglect thematic work and as I mentioned before
the chorus work is excellent. While the is no real orchestra, Zimmer does
utilize some great sounding synth string effects which does add to the
flavor in the moments they appear.
Like any score though, this one has its strong
points and its weak points. Not even those I've read who complain about the
score deny the fact that Zimmer's Nyah theme is good. In fact I think it is
the strongest element in the score. It is the underlying foundation of the
music, even more so than the Mission: Impossible theme itself. It is
twisted in a variety of ways throughout the run of the CD, from the standard
Latin guitar and the dancing effects (which sounds like it's from the Mask
of Zorro) to the solo chorus portrayal by Lisa Gerrard (who basically
reassumes her role from Gladiator). The
next main theme is, of course, the Mission: Impossible theme, but
unlike previous incarnations before, Zimmer takes the hard rock direction
for it. Elfman still wins it hands down when it comes to the best
performance of Schifrin's theme, but Zimmer's take is still very interesting
and I was glad he had the courage to take it towards a totally new
direction.
As for the bad, some tracks are nothing more
than noise, and Zimmer's techno piece (Bio-Techno) leaves a lot to be
desired (especially after being exposed to Propellerhead techno in Tomorrow
Never Dies and The Matrix).
Since this score has met with mixed feelings, it
would probably be wise to sample it first before deciding to purchase it
first (I've been impressed with it since I heard it in the film). Still if
you're a fan of Zimmer and Media Ventures, and you're open-minded enough to
check out a rock band score, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. ***1/2
