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Review of Toy Story 2 (Randy Newman)
FILMTRACKS RECOMMENDS:
Buy it... if you seek a competent extension of Randy Newman's style
for the first Toy Story film.
Avoid it... if you expect any substantial new thematic development or, surprisingly, a vocal performance from Newman himself.
FILMTRACKS EDITORIAL REVIEW:
Toy Story 2: (Randy Newman) Disney and Pixar have
made an attempt through the years to relegate their ridiculous sequels
from hit theatrical movies to the straight-to-video market, and such was
the intent with Toy Story 2. But after Disney executives saw
considerable merit in the production of the film, it was elevated to
full feature status. Critics and audiences applauded that move, with the
film standing alongside the original Toy Story and A Bug's
Life as an outstanding trilogy featuring the next generation of
computer animation technology. John Lasseter is joined by Lee Unkrich
and Ash Brannon to direct the sequel, with a tight script that expands
upon the universe of Andy's toy collection without retreading over the
previous film or resorting to endless parodies of blockbuster films
(though a few do exist). Once again, the script managed to satisfy both
children and adults, dazzling both as well with its precise digital
artistry. Also returning for the sequel is composer Randy Newman, whose
music and songs for the original film garnered significant praise.
Toy Story would establish Newman's trademark animation sound that
would carry over to several subsequent scores for Pixar and eventually
yield an Oscar win for his efforts in the genre. The most recognizable
element to any of these Newman animation scores is his distinctive voice
over an end-credits song, something strangely absent from Toy Story
2. He does write a few new songs, but he does not perform them
himself. The first is directly relevant to the film's key plotline;
Woody is discovered to be a collectible part of an old set based on a
50's TV show, and that show receives a comedic jingle presented at the
start of the album. The light Sarah McLachlan song is harmless, and the
Robert Goulet version of "You've Got a Friend in Me" is quite
entertaining. As for the score, Newman pulls on many of the same strings
that made his first score effective.
Newman reprises the themes from the first film somewhat sparingly, though listeners will be more likely able to recognize trademark Newman orchestrations and other stylistic indicators. The themes are a weak point for Toy Story 2, with little satisfying development of previous ideas and few additions of note. Newman typically writes two kinds of animation scores: those with an identity, and those without. Toy Story 2 falls squarely in the latter category. His music has all the personality that you'd come to expect from him, with tributes to the classic Warner Brothers sound mixed into faux Western rhythms and parodies of classic sci-fi music. The Emperor Zurg plotline is provided two cues of this sci-fi action; "Zurg's Planet" and "Emperor Zurg vs. Buzz" is a strange cross between John Williams' Star Wars and early James Horner sci-fi scores (mostly Battle Beyond the Stars), the latter being somewhat bizarre to hear in its accurate brass imitations. Outside of these cues, Newman's music rides the path of a straightened arrow, stopping only occasionally for some tips of the hat to Copland's sound of Americana. The anonymity of the remaining cues in Toy Story 2 is both the greatest strength and weakness of the score. It's a pleasant and effective score while it's running, but you'd be hard pressed to recall any specific part of it after its conclusion. A reprise of "You've Got a Friend in Me" led by a stylish saxophone is a blast of fresh air compared to a score that seems to get wound up for no apparent purpose. With the addition of several important new characters, it's disappointing that Newman didn't make a more overt effort to provide them with viable musical identities. In its finished form, the 40 minutes of score on the Toy Story 2 album are basically fine, but they'll be redundant in your collection of his works. The lack of a Newman vocal performance only contributes the absence of a clear identity with this product. "To infinity and beyond" apparently didn't apply to the music. ***
TRACK LISTINGS:
Total Time: 48:16
NOTES & QUOTES:
The insert includes extensive credits, but no extra information about the score.
"WOODY'S ROUNDUP" (Words and Music by Randy Newman) Performed and Arranged by Riders in the Sky Produced by Frank Wolf and Joey Miskulin Riders in the Sky are: Ranger Doug - Guitar, Vocals; Too Slim - Bunkhouse Bass, Vocals; Woody Paul - Fiddle, Vocals; with Joey the Cowpolka King - Accordion "WHEN SHE LOVED ME" (Words and Music by Randy Newman) Performed by Sarah McLachlan Arranged and Orchestrated by Randy Newman Produced by Randy Newman and Sarah McLachlan Vocal and Piano Performances Recorded by Greg Reely at The Warehouse Studio, Vancouver, B.C. "YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME" (Words and Music by Randy Newman) Wheezy's Version Performed by Robert Coulet Instrumental Version Featuring Tom Scott Arranged & Orchestrated by Ira Hearshen
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The reviews and other textual content contained on the filmtracks.com site may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of Christian Clemmensen at Filmtracks Publications. All artwork and sound clips from Toy Story 2 are Copyright © 1999, Walt Disney Records and cannot be redistributed without the label's expressed written consent. Page created 11/20/99 and last updated 8/27/07. |
