Monsters vs. Aliens (Music from the Motion Picture) is the soundtrack album composed by Henry Jackman for the film of the same name and released by Lakeshore Records on March 24, 2009.
Contents
Background
Monsters vs. Aliens was initially set to be scored by Mark Mothersbaugh, but was eventually replaced by Henry Jackman. The film was Jackman's feature film scoring debut; Jackman previously worked at Hans Zimmer's Remote Control Productions (formerly known as Media Ventures), providing assistance to the composer in various projects, this included the ones he composed for DreamWorks Animation projects. The soundtrack was recorded at AIR Studios in London and released through Lakeshore Records on March 24, 2009.
Reception
Jonathan Broxton of Movie Music UK considered Jackman's score to be "completely inoffensive, and enjoyable enough when taken at face value, but offers nothing in terms of innovation or any real depth". Philip J of Den of Geek considered the score to be disappointing as it "gives us the obvious buildups, the necessary tension, the soaring release…and nothing more" and further concluded that "it's not poor composition, but it's stiflingly textbook". Christian Clemmensen of Filmtracks wrote "the music for Monsters vs. Aliens does everything it needs to in order to suffice, but in the absence of any truly interesting parodies of classic monster and alien themes and styles, the score degenerates into a standard, anonymous affair."
William Ruhlmann of AllMusic added that "Jackman certainly uses his chance, employing a full orchestra to play a score that calls to mind the ambitious accompaniments to widescreen entertainments of the 1950s and, before them, the classical compositions of the Romantic Era". He further added that the "Ginormica Suite" echoed John Williams's music. James Southall of Movie Wave wrote "This very pleasant album comes recommended – there's no creativity here, but there is certainly fun to be had." Hugh Hart of Wired wrote "A bristling score by Hans Zimmer protege Henry Jackman prods the escapades whenever the mostly snappy dialogue flags". Read Junk considered the album to be a "great start to Jackman's scoring career", while Summer Suzuki of Fandomania called it an "upbeat soundtrack that remains light-hearted and well aware of its target audience". Todd McCarthy of Variety and A. O. Scott of The New York Times considered the score to be fascinating and enjoyable.
Personnel
Credits adapted from liner notes: