The Parent Trap (Score from the Motion Picture)
by Jason Ankeny The 1998 remake of the family classic The Parent Trap plays directly to Alan Silvestri's hallmarks as a film composer -- for better or worse, the music is sentimental, warm, and gently comedic, although to his credit Silvestri exhibits a restraint rare within the larger context of his body of work. A cheerful symphonic score evoking previous Silvestri efforts like Forrest Gump and Father of the Bride, it earns points for eschewing their heart-tugging heavy-handedness, instead favoring a more impish approach that better complements the onscreen comedy -- unexpected but welcome New Orleans jazz-inspired elements also add spice to the mix.