Monday, June 2, 2008

Music Monday - The Movie Themes of John Williams




For other tales of musical adventure, please visit Soccer Mom in Denial.

We went to see Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull yesterday.

I loved it, C liked it, and D hated it. Whatever.

My favorite parts? Seeing Karen Allen re-emerge as the oh-so-fabulous Marion Ravenwood and LOOK HER AGE. (That's fodder for another post in itself). And, in addition to Marion, there was the thrill of hearing "that" theme.

"That" theme that lets us know that Indy is about to crack his whip one more time. Or the theme that lets us know that Harry will battle Voldemort again, or that Luke and Leia will eventually rule victorious, or that we'd better not swim in "those" waters, or that ET can, indeed, phone home.

Yup, there's something about hearing each of those pieces and KNOWING that we're returning to beloved characters or favorite movies. Even if the current movie is sequel #92, at least when we hear that great John Williams theme, we have hope that we'll be transported to the greatness of the original.

I don't think I can "share" this medley, so I'm leaving you with this link.

So listen and transport yourselves to your favorite darkened theater, popcorn and drinks in hand.

Happy Monday.

24 comments:

Goofball said...

I have no knowledge about Indiana Jones at all. I was too young when the first ones came out and later on I never seem to have picked up. I do love Harrison Ford movies though.

But I know what you mean with the "theme"! I totally have that with TV-tunes but also movie tunes. the "Mission Impossible" tune makes me all excited and eager for some action! Best tv tune ever must be The A-Team! Who can't sing that one along (while seeing the vision of a car exploding)?

Goofball said...

I think I'd first go to the "Sex and the city" movie now, before I go and see Indiana Jones....hmm which reminds me that I haven't been to see a movie in probably over a year.

Korie said...

I totally want to see Ironman. Indiana Jones I'm a little scared cause the first three were awesome and I don't want my Indy impression damaged if this one is bad.

anno said...

M. and m. both loved it, too. I thought it was moderately fun, but worth seeing, especially on the big screen, and maybe especially to see Karen Allen... unadulterated and in focus! Can't wait to hear what you have to say about that!

Jen said...

Goofball - if you see any of the Indy movies, see the first one - Raiders of the Lost Ark before you see the new one. You'll enjoy the new one much, much more. Plus it's great to see Harrison Ford at his peak like that.

Lilac - I thought this one was better than Indiana Jones 2 and 3... I'm sure others will disagree. I don't think any of them could top the first, though.

Wasn't that great, Anno! I definitely have to do a post on that. And she looked good, you know, because she's always been pretty, but she had wrinkles and a post-menopausal tummy and the whole bit. I loved it!

glamah16 said...

I'm ashamed to admit I never even saw the first one. As I grow older my inteests change. So maybe I'll check it out. Nice to see they are using actresses above 40.

Jen said...

Glamah, the first one was REALLY fun. Has CS seen it? I think it was a big hit in Germany, too.

CableGirl said...

I can't wait to see it..... Jim and I are dropping MJ off at my mother's on friday so we can do a movie date night. lol

Jen said...

Enjoy, CG! I really had fun with it.

painted maypole said...

john willians is amazing, and must have a room just to house all his oscars

Jen said...

He really seems to have a sense of storytelling through music, PM.

cathouse teri said...

I'm hoping to see it this weekend. :)

cathouse teri said...

Oh hey, go check out how I blogrolled you. Your little nick confuses me. That should explain it. ;)

Thistlemoon said...

I hear you! LOL! Aren't I hilarious???

Anyway, we are obsessed with soundtracks in this family - when I listen to them at home, it brings me right back to the scenes in the movie where it is played - yes that means we have also seen the movie 10 bazillion times too! :)

We saw Indy this weekend too and I really enjoyed it. All I can say is Cate Blanchett is so freaking awesome!

Karen Olson said...

I've wanted to see Indiana Jones because they filmed the motorcycle scene in New Haven last summer. It was pretty cool. But I have a problem with Harrison Ford being a tad too long in the tooth now for this kind of action movie...although I was happy to see Karen Allen back!

janey jay said...

John Williams sets the tone for a film like no other.

And let's hear it for Karen Allen having a face that shows life and emotion! WHOO!

Dru said...

I loved Indiana Jones 4 and you're right about the theme music, it just transports you to a time and place and all you do is sit and smile.

cathouse teri said...

Long in the tooth? Harrison?

Momisodes said...

I definitely want to catch this movie....plus the Sex and the City :) PErsonally, I think I just want the popcorn, drink and the ability to sit for 2 hours :)

Jen said...

Teri - I got behind on reading yesterday, so I'll check it out today. I'll explain, too, what my little title means. ;-) I hope you enjoy the movie!

Jenn - she was completely awesome. But she's *always* completely awesome!

Karen, I agree, but I did love seeing Karen. And Harrison, too. Actually, I thought of you and Annie during those chase scenes.

Jen said...

Jane - yup... it was awesome! Let's hear it for life experience.

Yes, Dru... one of the best things!

Teri... you'll see when you see the movie. They don't hide his age, either. ;-)

Sandy, all of those perks are not to be forgotten when you have an ella-ager. ;-) The movie's good, too, which helps. Not sure when I'll see SATC.

jennifer said...

es- Karen Allen rocks

Alex Elliot said...

I can't wait to see it! We have a sitter arranged for Saturday for our anniversary. Maybe we'll do dinner and a movie.

Jen said...

I so agree, Jennifer!

Oh, Alex, congrats on your anniversary! And OMG, it's mine, too, and I forgot.... ooops! (Well, mine's the 9th, but...) Guess I'd better get on the stick.