Theodore Shapiro – “Marley & Me”

Album Reviews | Mar 21st, 2009

Image used with permission for review purposes.

Record Label: Lakeshore Records
Genre: Film Score
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My girlfriend wanted me to see this movie in theaters but I simply didn’t want to. Not that I didn’t want to see a dog movie, I just know it’s sad at the end and didn’t feel like balling my eyes out in a movie theater. I’d rather cry at home so only my girlfriend can witness that. Marley & Me is the dog movie that stars Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. Marley & Me is about a couple that’s starting out in their new lives. They got a new house, some children, and their crazy dog Marley.

The score was composed by Theodore Shapiro, who has composed films like Wet Hot American Summer, The Devil Wears Prada, You, Me and Dupree, Fun with Dick and Jane and Tropic Thunder. I’ve see most of those movies but not really familiar with his work too much besides Tropic Thunder. Some of the tracks are guitar heavy, and very generic. It’s to be expected that scores sound this generic with romantic comedies/family films like Marley & Me. Shapiro demonstrates different styles in the score, like a playful theme (“Off and Running”), an Irish jig theme (“Off To Ireland”), and a sad song (“Jen Says Goodbye”). Most of the tracks are light and contemporary and not really that interesting on the album. I’m sure it fits perfectly in the movie though.

Bottom Line: Too contemporary for my liking but I’m sure the score fits the movie well.
Notable Tracks: Off To Ireland, Jen Says Goodbye, Marley & Me
Overall Rating:

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