One thing I may have failed to mention during my effusive praise of The Last Jedi is its score. But maybe I didn't need to. With the return of John Williams as composer, it goes without saying that the music in this film is beyond reproach. That's why I didn't hesitate to pick up the Target exclusive soundtrack (featuring two collectible art cards) as soon as I spotted it in stores.
There's a real sense of what's come before in the Last Jedi soundtrack. In fact, it might very well feature more callbacks to the original trilogy than any prequel or sequel trilogy score that's come before. There are a number of samplings of classic character themes, as well as a few surprises - like the use of "TIE Fighter Attack" from A New Hope. There's also plenty of links to The Force Awakens, with "Rey's Theme" and the "March of the Resistance" featuring prominently throughout. At the same time, however, Williams also explores some intriguing new musical avenues.
Every new Star Wars film tends to add one particularly iconic piece to the orchestral oevre of the saga. The Phantom Menace had "Duel of the Fates", Revenge of the Sith had "Battle of the Heroes", and for The Last Jedi, it's "The Rebellion is Reborn" - a wonderful Disney-esque theme that adds some great levity to what is, at times, an incredibly dark film. There are some other great new tunes, too. "Canto Bight" features fantastic new in-universe orchestration reminiscent of the cantina from A New Hope, and in "The Spark", we finally get what might be considered Luke's theme - a powerful, triumphant variant of the Imperial March.
Every new Star Wars film tends to add one particularly iconic piece to the orchestral oevre of the saga. The Phantom Menace had "Duel of the Fates", Revenge of the Sith had "Battle of the Heroes", and for The Last Jedi, it's "The Rebellion is Reborn" - a wonderful Disney-esque theme that adds some great levity to what is, at times, an incredibly dark film. There are some other great new tunes, too. "Canto Bight" features fantastic new in-universe orchestration reminiscent of the cantina from A New Hope, and in "The Spark", we finally get what might be considered Luke's theme - a powerful, triumphant variant of the Imperial March.
Regardless of where the saga has gone over the years - or how the films have been received by audiences - John Williams scores have never faltered. This soundtrack for The Last Jedi is simply further testament to this fact. It's my sincere hope that we see Williams contribute at least one more score for Episode IX before he decides to call it a day.
