Alan Silvestri has never been short of a good tune or two and Stuart Little has a lovely couple of main themes; yes they are simple and obviously rather sentimental, but the variations are more convincing and inventive than most similar scores can muster. A syncopated, Gershwin inspired melody makes a nice counterpoint and comes across as a theme for the city itself, while Snowball receives a more insidious, noir-ish melody; think Bernstein's Man with the Golden Arm-lite. Such is the way the story is presented, what ought to be the climactic showdown actually occurs about two thirds of the way through in the Boat Race. However, rather than holding back, Silvestri delivers a centrepiece action cue with a suitably nautical feel, turning the main theme into a heroic fanfare with a panache that would make John Williams proud and even a great hint of the city melody which ought not to work in such a traditional orchestral action sequence. There is an ominous, growling brass theme to represent the opposition which is whooping enough to bely the music's origin as being from a family adventure. Anyone who doesn't raise a smile when the main theme makes a triumphant appearance at the finale is clearly a little stone hearted.
The last couple of cues don't quite match the bravura of the boat race; the Final Showdown, while ominous enough, is more suspenseful than exciting and Fairy Tale Ending is just the right side of maudlin overkill, manipulative though it is. As with any modern sentimental kids comedy, there is hardly a thing that could be deemed subtle, but as a genre piece, it's a winner. Silvestri's gifts as a great melodist are always in evidence and, unlike in his early scores, he doesn't let the pace flag for a minute. It is unfortunate that such a charming score hasn't seen an official CD release, the version reviewed here is the Oscar promo, which at 35 minutes seems a perfect Varese album. Unfortunately, the official album only has two score tracks, although if you find it cheap, it's worth getting for the Boat Race which is terrific listen on its own. The promo has excellent sound and a well considered selection, so is well worth tracking down, especially for those disposed towards a little comedy, sentiment and adventure.
Rating ~ Total Time ~ 35:29
What is it with Alan Silvestri and films about mice? While such specific type casting of a composer seems unlikely, I wouldn't rule it out in the weird world of Hollywood. Whereas Mouse Hunt was man against beast, Stuart Little is man adopting orphan beast and a talking one who just happens to sound like Michael J Fox. Unfortunately, the problem with talking animals, especially orphaned ones, is that the urge to turn up the sentiment is hard to resist and Stuart Little is pretty high in apple pie, cutesy family values, although there is just enough wit to prevent sugar overload. Also, the score takes a more whimsical, occasionally adventurous route that is most pleasing. Admittedly, compared to Mouse Hunt, which had an athletic, inventive score, Stuart Little is a rather more traditional family comedy effort, but is not really the worse for it.
