MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2014)

First of all, it’s kind of strange to find Danny Elfman involved in a DreamWorks animation project, an area where it’s dominated by the likes of Hans Zimmer, Henry Jackman and John Powell. Then again why bother, it’s always nice to have a new Elfman score to listen to.

DreamWorks’ latest release is an update of a 1960’s Bullwinkle’s animated cartoon featuring the adventure of a clever talking dog and his adopted son, Sherman. The premise in a nutshell involves plenty of time travel that takes viewers back to ancient Rome, Italy and Egypt meeting some of the greatest people ever exist liked Leonardo Da Vinci, King Tut, George Washington just to name a few. It’s actually the perfect canvas for Elfman to work his magic. Remember Elfman is famous for breathing life to lots of fantasy epics, Edward Scissorhands, Bettlejuice and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  

The opening track “Mr Peabody’s Prologue” is a light snazzy theme, effectively setting up the mood of the movie. Of course variations of it is littered throughout the 50 minutes score. “Reign of Terror!” reminds one of his usual trademark gothic themes, filled with adventure, mystery and energy. Infused with the use of a choir, the grand sounding of “The Flying Machine” marks a high point. “Off to Egypt” and “Trojan Horse” as the names suggest invokes some very fun frantic cues. “The Amazing Mr Peabody” is a cute track that needs to be seen in theaters first to be fully appreciated.

Two songs are also included in the OST, the classic John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” which is used to perfection in a moving flashback sequence and Grizfolk’s “Way Back When” in the ending credits.

While not an outstanding or should I say distinctive Elfman’s score, the music arrangement on the whole is solid and interesting. Elfman remains as always a wonderful composer to tune to. 

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (14) The Flying Machine

Review by Linus Tee