Meet the Parents

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Comedies today are more the same then before, and exceptions are always the one you'd least expect to be funny or least expect to hit you in the face. Meet the Parents was one of those and a sequel movie is already brimming audiences for the near future. The comedic, often disastrous events that occur in Greg's life are supported through the touch of master writer Randy Newman, at least in this kind of style. Randy can conjure up funny music just through his words and to accompany this movie with both the songs and the original underscore is what came only as a natural conclusion. Meet the Parents as a score album is a working mix between these two styles but I dare you if you would ever listen to it on regular basis and in full length. The songs by Newman aren't exactly high art this time and he wrote far better cues for A Bug's Life, Toy Story and the others. Even though, this one comes off being probably the most hilarious one simply because of its beginning. 'A Fool in Love' is an OK song but its the zany attitude of Newman's backup choir that makes the most laughs happen, only because they are a surprising move from the master of comedy. The others ones are not that interesting, 'Poor Me' is another typecast version on the Baby Sittin' Blues from Adventures in Babysitting and the rest (that includes the non Newman songs) are basically working class in the movie, but hardly fun for the ear outside of it.

The same can be said about the score that Randy Newman composed here, all working and obviously a perfect fit but together it doesn't click that much and off stage its kinda regrettable except for the moments of course. 'Give Me a Sign' starts off with light touches reminiscent of Pleasantville before some brief choir swells up and a nice cello solo states some emotion. 'Burning Down the House' moves up with trumpets and choir at the end while 'Wrong Cat' is a heroic hymn like piece which explodes with a wonderful choral version at the end. This is especially well fitting because Newman throws it also at the end for when the marrying couple leaves the ceremony and touches of the wedding hymn are integrated in it. Sadly it does appear only once on the score and this also leaves you with the feeling that the score part ends abruptly and non fitting. The rest is basic comedy music and light background emotional stuff, with tracks 5 and 6 stating drum marches for Robert DeNiro's character while dissonant glimpses of A Bug's Life return in 'The Car Race'. Together, the selection is fitting for the genre and enjoyable in parts. But you've got an album which doesn't flow too well away from the film and there lies also the fact that it doesn't run too smooth as listening material. Meet the Parents is a very funny comedy and inside you will appreciate, even like the music of Randy Newman. But low and behold, outside of it it limps itself forward like it is the wrong cat playing it.

Score: **1/2
Songs: **1/2

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. A Fool In Love: Randy Newman (2.16)

2. Poor Me: Randy Newman (1.32)

3. Got My Mo Jo Working: Randy Newman (1.56)

4. Give Me A Sign (3.19)

5. Meet The Parents (2.38)

6. Could You Milk Me? (2.38)

7. Greg Loses Jinx (1.48)

8. Burning Down The House (1.55)

9. Wrong Cat (1.05)

10. The Car Race (2.46)

11. Broken Hearted (1.14)

12. Pam's Problem (1.49)

13. Jack To The Rescue (1.05)

14. Together Again (1.18)

15. I'm Your Puppet: Bobby Womack (3.29)

16. Ya Ya: Lee Dorsey (2.25)

17. Big Chief: Dr. John (2.27)

Bonus Track

18. A Fool in Love: Randy Newman (2.27)

Total Length: 39.33

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

=== Link to Composer Site: Randy Newman ===