What You Need to Know: Okay, so the main theme for
Wolverine is a nice, rugged representation of the character. Beyond that, unfortunately, there really isn't anything unique or terribly interesting about Harry's score. It seems that the studios are content with a safe, predictable approach when it comes to scoring these types of superhero pictures and that trend doesn't appear like it will change any time soon.
Wolverine is just another example of the modern soundtrack simply fitting into a formula.
When I look at the crop of movies that are being released today, I can only imagine just how awesome it would be to have some of the veteran composers take a shot at this material. With Wolverine, there isn't any excitement generate by its music. Theme aside, the background and action music could have been derived from any recent feature film score. There really isn't a memorable signature etched here.
The soundtrack begins with the debut of Wolverine's theme, which is solid and just "tough" enough to get the job done. It's a theme I wish that Harry could have built on because it really is a good foundation for the score, particularly when it is first heard in the opening title sequence. It was actually quite an exciting blend of visuals and music in this opening sequence. When the typical action music arrives, however, that is when the score becomes just another job, seemingly. There isn't any innovation or crafty variations of the theme to make the bulk of this material stand the test of being played on its own. It should also be noted that the album concludes meekly as the main theme builds to an apex and then simply whimpers off.
With Prince Caspian proving to be a bit of a disappointment, and now Wolverine, I am just hoping Harry gets back to writing music that upholds the promise of his work on a Sinbad or Kingdom of Heaven. Until then, we have to make do with Wolverine, a functional score that lacks the attitude of its main character.
