CD Review: Jumper - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Music Composed by John Powell

Doug Liman's latest film is a sci-fi actioner seemingly aimed at the teen and twenty-something set, Jumper. It is a film that looks like it could be fun or exceedingly dumb. I am hoping it is the former, the director is more than capable of delivering fun (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), action packed (The Bourne Identity), and intriguingly plotted (Go) films. Joining him on Jumper is his frequent score collaborator, John Powell. Powell has composed for all three of the Bourne films (Liman produced them) and for Mr. & Mrs. Smith. With Jumper he continues to experiment with the non-traditional score, combining synth with the orchestra to create a lively and exciting score that is considerably different from your traditional score while also remaining exceedingly accessible.

The instant that the opening cue, "My Day So Far," began, I knew I was going to like this score. Very early on it became immediately apparent that this score was going to do nothing but enhance the film. Meaning, even if the film is sub-par, this score should go a long way towards helping the time pass. On the other hand, if the film actually turns out to be good (which I am hoping, ever the optimist) this score will be one of those qualities that make it so.

I am sure you are wondering why I think this? The answer is simple, John Powell has created a highly energized and involving score that is instantly catchy, easy to listen to, and distinct. Not to mention his highly synthesized sounds would seem to be the perfect fit for the science fiction trappings of the film. The film tells the story of a young man who discovers he has the ability to teleport anywhere that he wishes, only to then find himself in the midst of a war between "jumpers" and those sworn to stop them. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to create a fusion of film with non-traditional score.

Powell's score seems to be devoid of any type of thematic score, with recurring character themes. Instead it moves along like waves crashing down on some random beach. The pieces combine and build to a crescendo before crashing down on the listener only to begin the cycle again. That sounds like it would be repetitious but it isn't. The music does not wish to settle on repeating itself so much as repeating the style. The sounds all stand on their own, combining in their own unique way to build excitement. I can almost picture the battles and chases that will go on, followed by moments to catch your breath.

I love the fusion of sounds employed by Powell. It is much like a traditional score remixed for the club scene. Layers upon layers of synth, pulsing beats combined with traditional orchestral strings and brass, with further layers of rock guitar and drums. A variety of disparate sound coming together in harmony, forging new sounds and styles.

I am not going to be so bold as to claim John Powell is the originator of this sort of score fusion, but I will say that he is doing a wonderful job of creating interesting and entertaining scores in a fashion that is decidedly different than many others, what with his work here, on the Bourne series, and in X-Men 3. It is distinctive and very easy to listen too.

Cues that stand out include the aforementioned "My Day So Far," plus: "Bridges, Rules, Banking," "Surf's Up," "Coliseum Fight," "It's Sayanora," and "David Comes Clean." The rest are good, but these are the ones that stand out.

Bottomline. What else to say? The score is high octane and very exciting. One can only hope that the film can match it. John Powell is putting together a very nice catalog of film scores, one that I need to dig a little deeper into. For those curious about his music, this is as good a place as any to begin. It may even be a bit better than his Bourne work.

Highly Recommended.


Track List:
1. My Day So Far 1:03
2. Splash 1:31
3. First Jumps 1:37
4. Bridges, Rules, Banking 3:25
5. Surf's Up 1:12
6. 1000 Volts 3:48
7. Roland Snoops 1:43
8. You Hear Me Laughing 1:01
9. Coliseum Tour 1:47
10. Coliseum Fight 2:25
11. Echo of Mom 0:50
12. Airport Departure 1:58
13. In Hospital 0:56
14. It's Sayonara 0:57
15. Race to Millie 1:25
16. David Comes Clean 3:24
17. Roland at the Lair 4:55
18. Jumper vs. Jumper 2:18
19. The Sacrifice 4:45
20. A Head Start 1:43
21. A Jump Off 1:36
Total Album Time: 44:19