Customer Reviews

The Missing

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A Ron Howard film, "The Missing", featuring Tommy Lee Jones (Samuel Jones), Cate Blanchett (Maggie Gilkeson), Eric Schweig (Chidin), Evan Rachel Wood (Lilly Gilkeson), Jenna Boyd (Dot Gilkeson), Aaron Eckhart (Brake Baldwin) and Val Kilmer (Lt. Jim Ducharme) ~ suspenseful, dramatic and supernatural story set in a western landscape ~ outstanding performances by all the above ~ but none of this would work without composer James Horner's reveting score, filled with Native American themes.

James Horner pulls out all his magic tricks with "DAWN TO DUSK/THE RIDERLESS HORSE", "THE BRUJO'S STORM/A LOSS OF INNOCENCE", "KAYITAH'S DEATH/THE SOARING HAWK" and "THE LONG RIDE HOME" ~ entire score is loaded with Horner signature cues, from slow building crescendos of violence to harmonious blends of mysticism, Horner is a champion in that department ~ always in demand for scoring another film for Ron Howard...gotta love it!

Total Time: 77:35 on 15 Tracks ~ Sony 93093 ~ (11/18/2003)

James Horner digs deep into his musical pallette for Ron Howard's new suspense western mystery. Even though I haven't seen the movie (and I can't wait either) this is a good score and what I would expect from James. Lots of lush orchestration with a few surprises thrown into the mix (metal chairs for percussion, native chants) which makes for quite an interesting and compelling listen. The score is very dynamic with some of the best action writing I've heard from Mr. Horner in a long time. Stand out tracks for me are 3, 7, 12 and 15. Traces of Legends of the Fall, Braveheart and even Zorro can be heard but this is a definite must for any Horner collecter.

Say what you will about James Horner, I think this is the best score he has written awhile. I did see the film and thought it was somewhat fair but odd how the films opening shot was Cate Blanchett in an outhouse. Oh well back to music, I would definitely recommend this score along with Beyond Borders, which is a synth based film score but tastefully done with impressive vocals and ethnic instrumentation. Both are far superior than the lackluster score which Horner provided as a replacement for Troy. The Missing really soars in the second half and it is unforgettable.

I rented the video today and the first thing I did, being a huge Horner fan, was FF to the end title music.

It started off just beautiful, but after about 20 seconds, it seemed to veer off and copy "Legends of the Fall" and then Horner would pull it back. Then it would sound like some of his other scores and he would pull it off another direction. I think he must read his reviews on Amazon and everyone seems to have a beef with his music sounding the same, but I don't care because it's all just so beautiful. However, when he tries to veer away from himself, it just ends up with NO memorable melody.

I'm on the fence about buying this one. I may wait until there's nothing else to buy. Don't play safe, Mr. Horner, just write the beautiful music that you write!

This is James Horner's best work since Legends of the Fall and Braveheart!
The action music is incredible!!!
Buy it Now!!!
THis Cd consists of 2 gorgeous themes played by the shakahachi, kena, and french horn.
The action music is filled with NA chanting, chairs used as percussion, bow-mouth harp, shakahachi, awesome bull roars, whirring strings and an awesome theme!
Order it today!!

The James Horner score along with the magnificent cinematography and Cate Blanchett's performance make THE MISSING a movie to see. The score alone is a magnificent work portraying the expansiveness of the New Mexico setting, the emotions of the movie, and is definitely a score you'll value in your collection.

recieved in proper time scheduled. However, cd cover (plastic) was cracked terribly. The cd played perfectly. Thank you

The music on this album is haunting, exciting, sad, lovely, emotional, and fun. But despite the fun I had while listening to the album, the plot of the film and its context is not fun in the least (Well, maybe to some). But the album is so powerful and epic that even most Horner-criticizers (like myself) will have next to nothing to complain about. The opening track is superb, and track 3 should be recognized among the greatest cues ever written by Dr. Horner, such as Legends of the Fall's "The Ludlow's," and Braveheart's "For the Love of a Princess."

The film the Missing may have fallen short in many's eyes, but the music will be the most memorbale aspect of the film. The Missing is a must buy for any music lover! (Unless of course you believe Rap and Hip-hop is actually music)

With all honesty, I have not heard all of the tracks. I heard one full track and that was 'The Search Begins'. That was all I needed to hear. Considering it is 12 minutes long, I heard quite a bit and loved every minute of it!
In my opinion, James Horner's music is most known for immediately catching your attention during a film. His expression of the emotion of the moment or display of raw beauty is displayed so dominantly within a film that one, at least I, would want to hear it again. But lately, within the past few years, his music seemed to be losing its touch. Its power. Troy was a disappointment, save for 'Remember'. Flightplan was tasteless. The Forgotten was pretty good but a bit cliche...sounded more like The Ring or something rather than James Horner. Now he's back!
According to the rest of these reviews, the rest of the CD must be worth it also, so I am definitely planning on getting this CD at some point in the future. James Horner is back!

As far as movies go, The Missing was not even on par with such cowboy vs. indians classics as let's say, Rugrats Go Wild. I don't think it was that awesome, provided I actually saw the movie.

I do fondly recall the score and how we danced!

Not to be missed, eh?