The Twins Effect

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

In my everlasting quest for amazing Jackie Chan movies, I stumbled upon The Twins Effect, not immediately the Chan flick I was hoping for since he only did a cameo appearance in it. Nonetheless the breathtaking slow motion opening, the rather impressive choreography and the appropriate humor as acting still made of it a good to enjoy effort. And with that you come in contact with more Asian music and composing. Kwong Wing Chan is without doubt mostly known for his contributions to the Infernal Affairs trilogy, and with The Twins Effect he surely made another well established point in his career. In the movie especially the solid good points shine because they are noticed easily due to the good strong mix. And on CD that is proven with the appropriate 45 minute running length, if only that it just brings the strong points in begin and end. The score starts with what amazed me the most during the film, the somewhat gothic fanfares aided by a choir, and in these moments the music of Elliot Goldenthal (Batman & Robin) isn't far away, in 'Horrifying Train Station' its presented while the choir gets a more contemporary feel in 'Bravo Fighter' which is fun. The slightly sinister 'Vampire Castle' with its strings and the odd yet effective 'Lan Kwai Fever' (which is basically house setting up a fanfare with choir) are just moments where Wing Chan surprises us with new interesting twists. But what's most surprising of all is that he crafted a touching and soft love theme for the action movie. In 'Little Flower Blooms', best presented in 'Love after Love' and in 'Bat Ring' on piano and flute, its a sweet vocal led piece that easily sets up an emotive response, especially in 'The Glorious Death' where its interspersed with the Batman & Robin fanfares and choir, making something happen.

Considering still the interesting twists, Wing Chan adds more and surprisingly they all work, in 'Heart Break Restaurant' he just delivers lounge jazz with an added singing vocal while 'Bravado Beauties' is just techno but upbeat, being surprisingly likeable all the same. The waltz in 'Hot and Smoky Date', the devilish chanting choir in 'Fighter's Sorrow' all lead up to the final. lethargic choir bringing the love theme in 'Holy Termination' is just another good sign of bringing something new while 'Mortal Combat' is somewhat disappointing for the first 3 minutes before brass whirls the action in with Batman & Robin trumpets and choir, bringing you the material you wanted to hear considering the potential of the themes and style. The 2 girls who play the roles of the Twins are known as the group Twins in Asia, and considering they perform well on screen, they give Jackie Chan even a singing performance to be proud off (or not haha) in the final track. Its in the end a typical Asian entry (the choral effect is nonetheless impressive) that graces most films at the end credits, so I've gotten used too them (or not hehe). However, what's most enjoyable of The Twins Effect is the diverse look of the entire album, from a gothic choral opening to lounge music, to sweet innocence captured in a love theme to pure techno and house, and in between, waltzes and more. Meaning Kwong Wing Chan definitely went out for something diverse and refreshing (especially considering for what type of movie its written) and the results are without doubt pleasing. Its sad however that while it all sounds effective and pleasing, the gothic allure of the scenes wasn't used longer and pushed more to the edge. I know if he would have pushed the effort a little more in the gothic style, The Twins Effect could have become a better effort than it already is now.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Horrifying Train Station (1.12)

2. Attractive Prince (0.26)

3. Little Flower Blooms (0.53)

4. Bravo Fighter (2.40)

5. Love After Love (1.55)

6. Vampire Castle (1.38)

7. Lan Kwai Fever (1.49)

8. Heart Break Restaurant (5.12)

9. Bravado Beauties (2.57)

10. Hot And Smoky Date (2.22)

11. Romantic Pier (0.52)

12. Funny MMS (0.14)

13. Witty Banana Muffins (1.58)

14. Fighter's Sorrow (1.21)

15. Bat Ring (1.37)

16. The Glorious Death (4.29) Excellent Track

17. Holy Termination (1.33)

18. Mortal Combat (6.34)

19. Change, Change, Change: Jackie Chan & The Twins (3.10)

Total Length: 43.36

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