I think the reviewer was a bit distracted by Shore's score for the Jackson movies to really consider this score on its own merits.

First off, it fits the film it was written for. The images that Bakshi created, as well as the frantic action and building dread are matched almost perfectly by this score. As another poster commented, the triumphant end music gave closure to a movie that didn't have any. As for the theme itself, it works great in the film and is used in slightly different ways throughout the score. In addition the use of voices, unusual instruments and propulsive percussion makes this score an interesting listen on the album as well.

Now, listening to it on the album can be a bit tiring. As the reviewer pointed out, the music drives full speed ahead. It doesn't really let you get your breath and instead can actually wear on your nerves after a while. It's one of those scores that you have to be in the mood to listen too, mostly because of it's unrelenting and discordant nature.

The main point is, this is a different score for a different movie. This score would not work in Jackson's movie and Shore's music wouldn't have worked in Bakshi's movie. Regardless of how you feel about the Bakshi film, the score works very well with it, and when examined on its own proves to be a very good effort.

In the film * * * *

On the album * * *