Long requested by soundtrack fans but underwhelming for me, John Scott’s Shoot to Kill indulges in overly complicated melodies. I like my action music to be emotional and surprising, not a relay race. As such, Scott’s tendency to overthink has compromised his work before, especially in The Final Countdown and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

For a genre effort, Shoot to Kill seems desperately light on action. To begin, “Main Title” strains credibility, while failing to establish a worthy musical texture. Meanwhile, “Kill My Wife Next” offers emotionally static wallpaper. Yes, it’s technically proficient yet this 6 ½ minutes barely develops.

Technically, it’s important to note the use of electronics here. They seem bizarre and awkward in “Boat Chase.” Additionally, there’s the presence of a saxophone. In “The Road Block” and many others, this amounts to unattractive harmonies.

A noticeable upgrade, the affectionate woodwinds in “Bishop’s Falls” caress a bed of strings. It’s the best track so far, if only for a minute.

By contrast, “Happy Campers” seems overly intense. This track made me think of killer clowns. Because I want this score to explode with inspiration, a cue like “Blazing Saddle” disappoints me all the more. Carrying on the meandering suspense, “Behold the Gorge” compounds the frustration.

In terms of action, Scott can do better than “It’s a Long Way Down No. 1.” Even its counterparts rarely overcome the monotony.

During “Climbing Trek,” there’s a pitiful nod to Jerry Goldsmith’s Patton. Meanwhile, “And The Killer Is” plucks the same strings, only I’m feeling numb to it now.

As for “The Bodies,” Scott tries to surpass Bernard Herrmann at his own game. No easy task. Inevitably, the former caves into melodrama, repetition and boredom. As a welcome break, the decision to reference Leonard Rosenman for “Say Your Name” proves quite nice. However, this decent if unspectacular cue ends abruptly. Adding to which, not even “Mr. Bear” can save us.

Coming to the end of the score proper, “Let Her Go or Die” features eleven minutes of material. Time for something good? I really got my hopes up. Sadly, I didn’t enjoy this suite of clichéd themes. 

Unlike Scott’s marvellous score for The Second Jungle Book, Shoot to Kill squanders emotion for noise making.

Overall Rating: *

(Photo: composer John Scott)