Thunderbirds

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Totally, the sound or tone of Thunderbirds was something I didn't' know what to expect of, because it would be a genre that would fall in the category of comedy action / adventure. Basically, this could have been a mature action fantasy film but it became a bit more kiddy lined instead and therefore, what would be the sound of this score now? Well, to tell you the truth, its Zimmer returning to his period when he wasn't taking himself serious, meaning the '80 and that's why Thunderbirds is so enjoyable for the fans of him. Its completely not My Favorite Martian (like some have indicated it to be) because that's an insult to Zimmer's scoring here, its much more melodic and has a smoother listen, perhaps overall a bit overwhelming at the end, but the fun isn't stopping from the word go. And the fact Zimmer is again throwing multiple versions of themes to us, is what keeps Thunderbirds a step above the comedy / adventure listen. All right, it all listens a little less mature, but its Zimmer doing his thing, and that's what makes it so fun for a change. And also the fact that Hans Zimmer stays true to the not so serious nature of the series, of which this film is naturally based upon. The theme of the series, performed by Barry Gray receives a honest and true version in 'Thunderbirds are Go! Original TV Series Theme' and at first, I found it way too optimistic for the film and show, but when you come to think of it, it fits one way or another with whatever Hans Zimmer follows it with as score. Not much goes about when the adventure starts and the music follows that line, with immediately 'International Rescue' which uses a first theme, a heroic theme and it fits well with the tone of the music. And then the themes start to make entrances after another, and after multiple times, you distinguish them apart from the rest yet together as a whole listening experience.

Such as the theme for Lady Penelope in 'Lady Penelope: At your Service' which is lighter, playful and fits with the style of Gray's main theme, so another one to look out for. The menacing end in 'The Hood' is not really working but the following does 'You Need to Grow Up' which is soft stuff, performing the heroic theme lightly ala Renaissance Man and Driving Miss Daisy almost. 'Can't Wait to Be a Thunderbird' even has another theme, and this I consider to be Zimmer's main Thunderbirds theme which is a heroic fanfare that crops up just several times, but in this setting its very good. And cool is too 'TB 3 Takeoff' which is basically Zimmer crazy like, the Tracy theme (yes another theme) in a blazing form and reminds you so of the old (young) whatever Hans Zimmer at work. The Tracy theme is in fact the most reoccurring theme and appears very sweet (with flute) in 'Tracy Island' and heroically in 'Junior Mission', but the Thunderbirds theme of Zimmer makes another welcome appearance in 'Thunderize', and with the added bouncing electronics its feels futuristic, fun, playful and not to serious and I guess its what the film is all about. And I guess the electronic accompaniment also makes Penelope's theme a bit more alive in the not too serious too 'Lady Penelope to the Rescue', which equally listens fun after a while. Action, adventure it all follows one way or another and 'Buggy Chase' keeps adding the pace in it, with the Tracy theme in another couple of cool versions. Zimmer's scoring in the end comes off as perhaps a bit alike, but again I feel this keeps progressing the more you hear the score.

The longest track 'Major Disaster' is then throwing everything in the mix, the start with the heroic theme from the beginning, brief appearances of the Thunderbirds theme of Zimmer, Tracy's theme, some MV choir which unexpectedly takes a note of interest before the heroic theme makes a noble, uplifting and dare I say it heroic performance at the end, followed with the next track in line after that 'Bank of England' which basically follows that same standard, the choir a bit more menacingly, a great tuneful performance of the Tracy theme and the heroic theme signing off this track in fashion. But what comes next is what tips this score in true Thunderbirds fashion. As said I found the Barry Gray version first optimistic, later I grew into it but 'F.A.B.' unleashes Hans Zimmer, Ramin Djawasi and Jim Dooley's take on Barry Gray's theme, and so its a Media Ventures version of it, and naturally I like it a lot, because the brass is much more heroic and its more serious too, so perhaps the film is not all that stupid really. And Gray's theme receives a fixing and appropriate rock song for the teenagers among us as end title song. I didn't expect a thing of this score, more I didn't know what to expect of this score but one thing is for sure, Thunderbirds is Zimmer of the '80 and that was the fun time, when the not to serious scores of the German maestro came about and that was the time when most fans fell in love with his style. So to welcome this score now is more then an understatement. I even think it falls at the right time because in fact King Arthur is more impressive, but is taking less chances, and even if Thunderbirds isn't taking those chances serious, at least its putting them back on track. Again open minded people will have the most fun with this score and naturally a not to healthy doses of expectations will suit you the better, but Thunderbirds is wild fun, comedy and silly perhaps a bit in tone but my god it this fun you want the most of Hans Zimmer from time to time.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Thunderbirds Are Go! Original TV Series Theme (2.06)

2. International Rescue (2.40)

3. Lady Penelope: At Your Service (1.36)

4. The Hood (2.42)

5. You Need To Grow Up (1.30)

6. Can't Wait To Be A Thunderbird (1.55)

7. Galion Electrolyte Compound (1.40)

8. TB 3 Takeoff (3.40)

9. Tracy Island (1.31)

10. Junior Mission (2.27)

11. Fafafa ....... No Way! (3.25)

12. Thunderize (2.51)

13. Lady Peneloppe To The Rescue (4.16)

14. Buggy Chase (2.12)

15. Major Disaster (6.28) Excellent Track

16. Bank Of England (4.06)

17. F.A.B. ** (1.57) Excellent Track

18. Thunderbirds Are Go: Busted *** (3.14)

* Written by Barry Gray, arranged by Hans Zimmer

** Written by Barry Gray, Hans Zimmer, Ramin Djawasi & Jim Dooley

*** Written by Bourne, Willis, Simpson, Fletcher & Gray

Total Length: 50.27

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Hans Zimmer ===