The Spiderwick Chronicles is the latest fantasy tale set to be unleashed in film form upon an unsuspecting populace. You see, they truly do not know what awaits them. Then again, neither do I. I am neither familiar with the novel, nor have I read up on the film itself.

That said, it appears to be in a vein that will be appealing to to the same audience of films like the Harry Potter series and The Chronicles of Narnia. Beyond those clear influences, it seems to be targeted towards the same filmgoers who flocked to Bridge of Terabithia making it a hit. On top of that, the trailer reminds me of The Neverending Story without feeling anything like a duplicate and makes a strong case for the film.

Not having seen the film yet, it is a bit difficult to see how the music is going to blend with the visual story, but I must admit to genuinely enjoying what I hear. Of course, it is hard to go wrong with James Horner. He has been around the block a few times and has composed for a large number of features, great and small. He has also been nominated for nine Oscars, including a pair of wins. In short, he is a composer who knows his way around a studio and has a strong grasp on how to most effectively use music to heighten the film.

His score for this film is filled with subtle beauty and calm, elongated string sounds. The score never goes for unnecessary bombast. Where some composers may be tempted to go big, building to roaring crescendos, Horner reigns the music in, allowing it to flow much more softly. I can only imagine how well it works to underscore the magical sense of discovery and excitement on screen. This has the appearance of flavor adding music that will not draw attention to itself, rather accentuate the visuals, combining to build the wonder and thrills as they play out across the screen.

Now that sounds kind of boring, doesn't it? I know while I enjoy music that allows the story to be told rather than overpowering the stimuli, I do enjoy a little bombast and excess in my movie music (evidenced by my inclusion of Steve Jablonsky's Transformers score in my best of 2007 recap). Far be it for James Horner not to supply a little excess. It is true that the majority of the score is quiet and understated, a few tracks rise above the rest to deliver a little sonic excitement.