Executive Decision

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

It can't always be jackpot with any movie Goldsmith scores, but I can amuse myself with Executive Decision and for its 30 minutes it offers us the tension and usual sharp Goldsmith action style, even if its not always as high standard as usual. It has a bit more personality then Chain Reaction, a lot more entertainment in style then U.S. Marshals but has to be called the lesser brother in the air then Air Force One. Nonetheless Goldsmith fans will enjoy it for all its worth, and perhaps the 30 minutes will do the score more justice then the expanded bootleg flying around on black markets these days, perhaps it is just the time needed, for finding the spark in it. What any Goldsmith score should have, at least to give us score fans a thrill is a good main theme and while this one isn't high art, it works and entertains, and especially anyone with a good surround system or Dolby Digital installation for movies will know how it sounds like, it literally explodes onto the screen with 'The Map'. While this score isn't really action music all the way its more the type of tension with the usual light patriotic touch, not Air Force One standards for goodness sake.

Especially a better tension cue on CD and one hell of a mind breaking scene in the movie is 'The Sleeper'. Together with Goldsmith's music this scene works truly like it should be. And the best thematic presentation of the main theme is witnessed in 'The Ramora', being my favorite highlight of the score. But if there is now something that makes this score unforgettable, then I would have to say Goldsmith scored better. It works for the fans of the composer and for those who liked the movie in all its glory, but its not something that will ask for a lot of attention when the year has ended. But fairly, Goldsmith in solid action mode is a heck lot better then a certain guy in better action mode. Goldsmith knows what the movie needs, what the fans like and then you get that Goldsmithian sound which nobody can resist, even if its not something to treasure. Executive Decision at least calls for sharp, no nonsense sound and Goldsmith answers with a short enjoyable, to the point, no mind breaking composition. It saved the movie and the fans were cooled down, for a month at least.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. The Map (1.28)

2. All Aboard (5.37)

3. Drill Team (5.37)

4. Do It (2.31)

5. Pick It Up (3.28)

6. Starting Over (2.53)

7. The Sleeper (3.25)

8. The Ramora (2.16) Excellent Track

9. Hold It (1.58)