Why do people punish this score? Is it because they don't like the fact that the movie exists? Why is that the fault of John Powell or his music?

Probably. I just finished watching the movie. I’m left with mixed feelings. I love the original movie and the score so much. This live action remake was almost a shot for shot clone of the original. That made it just as enjoyable, but also a bit pointless. The fault here is that certainly lies with skittish studio execs always opting for easy cash grabs instead of taking a risk on something new. The filmmakers themselves did a great job, and most of the actors really nailed their performances (granted, they were already given an example to follow, but that doesn’t change the fact that I was impressed with the actor who played Hiccup).

The same applies to the music. It sounds absolutely fantastic not only because the original music was already fantastic, but it’s a great full performance. While I am certainly interested in downloading the new end credits song to replace that awful mismatched Jonsi track, I’m not sure I want to get the entire album. There is so much more music out there I could spend my money on instead of what is essentially a superior re-recording of what was already a fantastic recording in the first place!

> There is so much more music out there I
> could spend my money on instead of what is essentially a superior
> re-recording of what was already a fantastic recording in the first place!

I would argue it isn't even a superior re-recording!