"Eragon" may be a flop critically, but whatever it takes to get Patrick Doyle into a film like this, than I consider it a success.  That's the high esteem I hold this composer in.

 

Doyle has been resurgent of late, with the most notable outing coming via the last Harry Potter film.  The score for that was on par with the quality that John Williams had provided the franchise with, thus, it was hardly filler-music.  This is no surprise since Doyle typically brings a melodic structure to the films he's attached to and does so with memorable style.  To this end, a story like "Eragon" is right up his proverbial alley.  In it, Doyle gets a chance to open things up in a fantasy setting full of dragons, magic and battles; it's a venue that he thrives in.

 

The album uses a fairly effective main theme to generate the backbone of the score.  What I found interesting about the writing for it is that seems to capture a voice for the young main character who is featured in the tale alongside the dragon herself.  It's lighthearted and does not come across in an overbearing fashion.  While it's not an anthem for the ages, it is a theme that rekindles a bit of movie magic and harkens back to a time when writing thematic music was commonplace.

 

In addition to this nice theme, the score also offers a regal, majestic sound that adds a welcome dimension to a fantasy setting.  There are quite a few tracks in which this style of music plays out while the main theme exists to anchor it.  I appreciate the fact that Doyle retained certain principles in dealing out this score in such a manner -- it's not inventive or cutting edge, instead, it's classic yet original.

 

Another notable segment of music, and specifically that of the battle scene, brings forth a jabbing intensity.  In fact, I was surprised by how exciting the action music was for a genre such as this.  For as innocent as the Eragon main theme is, the battle cue (which features a generous running time) delivers a forceful statement of strength.  While this track could have been chopped into 2 to 3 individual cues, allowing it to play out in duration provided a more satisfying listen.  Better yet, the track that follows offers a soft choral piece which allows the listeners to catch their breath and reflect. 

 

The score concludes with the same majesty that it started with by restating the main theme.  The two song tracks that follow can be dismissed at this point unless you are a fan of such.

 

In the end, some may point out that the main theme is perhaps too influential in the score while others may say that the music never broaches any new ground.  However, I say that this is a soundtrack that brings back a bit of old school orchestral punch and should be appreciated for it.  It's an enjoyable yarn, musically speaking, and it's an adventure I hope you embark on.

Final Score: Patrick Doyle lets loose with a mighty score that captures a dash of action, fantasy and adventure.  Soundtrack fans should take flight with this one.