What makes a memorable Comic Book Movie Theme Song?

What makes a memorable Comic Book Movie Theme Song?

Every good hero deserves an epic soundtrack.

Editorial Opinion
By StrangerX - Dec 06, 2009 06:12 AM EST
Filed Under: Fan Fic

For any good CBM fan, or movie fan in general, it's always a pleasure to walk out of a screening with the film's theme song on your mind. Lately I have found that many CBM movies are missing that. I don't just mean taking a pre-written peice of music from a popular band like the successful Iron Man movie. I mean having that originality to actually create a unique theme song for the film. Like Donner's Superman; or Burton's Batman who utilized Prince to create almost every song you hear on the soundtrack. I remember moments of that film mainly because of the music.

One exception to the plethora of 2009 movies is Watchmen. After reading the book, it was already preconceived what songs would be on the film. Does that mean, however, that the effort to be original and create something new shouldn't be taken? I know people will probably argue it's due to the cartoons, and theme songs are too campy. But through it all, a well placed song that highlights a specific scene or gives the hero purpose is a must. Fans walk into the movie expecting to see and hear something memorable. Movies that really lacked in the music department are the movies that don't do as well as expected. Especially movie's that should have used some version of the cartoon theme's like Transformers or G.I. Joe. These movies could have been much bigger and more appealing if they had used better a more well thought out score.

What do you guys think? How much does music contribute to a movie's appeal?

On a side note, the CBM website should work on getting it's own theme song!

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THEHAWK
THEHAWK - 12/6/2009, 11:31 AM
@Multi.

"The Beginning Is the End Is the Beginning" is the song that was in the Watchmen trailer, but it wasn't done specifically for Watchmen.

It was a slower version of the Grammy Winning "The End Is the Beginning Is the End" by the Smashing Pumkins. Both songs first appeared on the "Batman & Robin" soundtrack.

"The Beginning Is the End Is the Beginning" has different lyrics and arangement compared to its counterpart from the album. both songs were written represent teh Batman from the early 40's, which the lead singer from Smashing Pumkins felt was a more fearsome and darker version of the character, unlike teh one in the film.

But I think Hugh Jackman's Oscar opening song would be good for a CBM theme ;)


HAWK out
THEHAWK
THEHAWK - 12/6/2009, 12:03 PM
@Multi. I know man, I thought it was a remix for the film as well, then I was looking through some cd's the day after I saw teh trailer for Watchmen during TDK. I pulled out the Batman&RObin soundtrack, I knew the original song was on it, and I listened to it, then skipped around on the CD and was surprised to hear the remix on it!
StrangerX
StrangerX - 12/6/2009, 12:32 PM
I come back and my article is hella different. Ooooooook who edited this. Mullltiiiii...
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 12:35 PM
love the new Avatar, Strangemann.

There's a trend toward that lately with Necro's "bitch please" thing.
BubastisTheLynx
BubastisTheLynx - 12/6/2009, 12:42 PM
Does this have to be limited to songs from the soundtrack? I for one really liked the musical score from the spiderman trilogy, and from Batman Begins/The dark Knight.
StrangerX
StrangerX - 12/6/2009, 12:43 PM
@ Multi No I like it It's cool.

@ Darth..yea I didn't notice users had it up until I already posted mine. Whatever.
Wadey09
Wadey09 - 12/6/2009, 12:53 PM
i like the song Optimus and Arrival to Earth from the Transformers soundtrack. Oh and New Divide by Linkin Park is AWESOME!
I also like Phoenix Rises from X-Men: The Last Stand sondtrack. Bad movie good music.
Duel of the Fates from The Phantom Menace is timeless and Like a Dog Chasing Cars from the Dark Knight is excellent.
Those are my favorites!
THEHAWK
THEHAWK - 12/6/2009, 1:20 PM
@Multi. Isn't posting anything sexual, or containing nudity against CBM's policy? I mean I know Marge Simpson's playboy spread made it here, but come on, I am sure that male genitalia is pushing it... then again someone did post a pick of the Watchmen's "lower Manhattan" a few months back... made Jen happy.
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 1:29 PM
@ Strangemann: I wasn't giving you a hard time lol I really do like your avatar.
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 1:38 PM
Good thing they made a comic book out of the Matrix because that gives me an excuse to post THIS:



I love that song. I listen to that when I work out.
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 1:39 PM
omg it worked. Thanks, Multi!
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 1:43 PM
got to love Hans Zimmer. The guy's a genius.

Honestly who could ever forget this one?

StrangerX
StrangerX - 12/6/2009, 1:57 PM
Strangemann no longer exists.
I'm Skeletor Bitchesssss..lol jk
@ Multi Yea I know Don't worry.
Seriously though I want good music with my movies.
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 1:57 PM
This is one of The Cure's best songs but everyone always disses it

A lot of people think it's cheesy and too gothic, but not I. I love it. best rock song in the movie. beats the hell out of the NIN cover of Joy Division's dead Souls

And while we are at it, has anybody else ever checked out Greame Revell's brilliant SCORE for The Crow movie?

I have been a fan of that guy forever, and though he didn't really show his deep Industrial roots in the score, it's really pretty solid at times.
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 2:03 PM
@ Multi: YES YES YES!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Lisa Gerrard.

Dead Can Dance is my absolute all time favorite band!! I listen to that stuff since I was freaking 15 and heard it on college radio!

Dude... And when i heard she was teaming up with Zimmer for Gladiator, I just knew it would be a hit!

Good one, Multi!
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 2:07 PM
Graeme Revell's finest moment:



close second:

StrangerX
StrangerX - 12/6/2009, 2:10 PM
First time I ever made main. Beer Me
Simonsonrules
Simonsonrules - 12/6/2009, 2:35 PM
Glad to see that Anvil got songs on the Iron Man 2 and Green Hornet soundtracks. Rock on dudes.
ASSASSIN666
ASSASSIN666 - 12/6/2009, 2:38 PM
All I know if it was up to me I'd have Manowar score the whole Thor movie. They have been proudly singing about Odin, Thor, and epic battles of good and evil for over twenty years. Sometimes music can be as important as the actors, or the script, of course I'm a musician so I'm biased.
StrangerX
StrangerX - 12/6/2009, 2:39 PM
Last of the Mohicans is one of my favs.

@ Multi Thanks for beaahh.. that's how we say over here in Bean Town.
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 2:45 PM
@ Multi: OH YEAH! That's a great one! Not a comic book movie soundtrack but man what a great tune. I have that soundtrack somewhere. I love all the Celtic sounding stuff

So you like classical Mr. Poni? Excellent! Same here!

Check out a minute or two of this..This was the wedding march we had them play at our wedding. The whole room burst out into tears, even the mens lololol:



Unmasked
Unmasked - 12/6/2009, 2:47 PM
I loved some of the music from spider-man 3. Yes the movie wasn't that great, but the music had some strong parts to it. My favorite is Trinity.






You've been UNMASKED!
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 2:48 PM
Oh yeah... that's pretty sweet, Ozy!

Too bad the movie sucked so horribly huh?

lol Same to you, unmasked. Even an epic score couldn't save that stinker =(
shibazz
shibazz - 12/6/2009, 2:57 PM
Damn i cant find the PRince Batman SoundTrack any where! I loved that soundtrack! Especially the song Lemon Crush...

One of my favorite soundtracks and most defining theatrical moments that was actually based on the Lead character playing a song was in the Movie Desperado! the song Tequila Blanco kicks sooo much Azz!!!Especially since he actually sang it and performed it with a great band "Los LOBOS"
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 3:11 PM
@ Multi: uh uh. wuzzat?
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 12/6/2009, 3:15 PM
These are my favorites!!! : D



StrangerX
StrangerX - 12/6/2009, 3:22 PM
I really hope Thor gets some great tunes.
peterparker420
peterparker420 - 12/6/2009, 3:31 PM
the video with hugh jackman is SUPER FUNNY!

man he can really sing!
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 12/6/2009, 3:38 PM
@ Skeleto... oops I mean Strangemann: Yeah me too. That puppy just NEEDS something uber strong. Loud and forceful. I am thinking a large orchestra, and loads of tympani.
Hawksblueyes
Hawksblueyes - 12/6/2009, 3:43 PM
Are we sticking to comic book movies? If not, Forrest Gump had an awsome soundtrack in respect to how and where the songs were used in the movie. Probably the best use I have seen.

Thor should be huge symphony sound all the way through until he reaches earth. Then we nee some Anthrax .. I.m The Man.
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