Remember that sinking feeling you get when an iconic experience turns sour? Meet Jurassic Park III. Technically, the film was no great shakes, taking us back to Isla Sorna, the place where Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) and company ran from the monsters. Only this time, Alan Grant (Sam Neill) gets roped into the safari.

Even though the themes of John Williams appear throughout Don Davis’ score, their application and adaptation seems a trifle obvious. Problems erupt during “Isla Sorna Sailing Situation” and continue right up to the closing bars of “The Hat Returns/End Credits.”

As a nice surprise, “Tree People” carries the flavour of a traditional Western score. It’s very cordial for about two minutes before Davis hops, skips and jumps around Williams again.

What Might Have Been

John Williams should have been the default composer for Jurassic Park III. There’s absolutely no question about it. His place in film music lore cannot be denied. However, Don Davis hasn't quite ascended to that level of excellence.

This Jurassic Park

has lost its bark.

I simply love Williams’ theme.

Too bad it remains a distant dream.

Davis’ musical cues

do little to soften the bruise.

Overall, I believe Michael Giacchino’s boisterous video game score for The Lost World would serve as a worthy replacement to Davis’ narcoleptic melodies.