Artist: Various Artists
Album: Wicker Park Soundtrack Album
Label: Lakeshore
Tracks: 17
Length: 01:09:52
Review by: Mike “I‘m Getting Oprah Tickets” Leech

 
If one thing’s for certain in these turbulent times of war and discontent, it’s the creative aptitude of our country’s finest young actor, Josh Hartnett.  Heralded by me as America’s next Keanu Reeves, Hartnett, it seems, simply cannot disappoint.  With a number of audience and Academy favorites under his belt, including such modern classics as The Faculty, Pearl Harbor and Halloween: H20, Hartnett has now graced us with yet another cinematic gem--Wicker Park.  Though I haven’t exactly seen the movie, I have seen parts of the trailer, and I’ve listened to the soundtrack a number of times.  So now, if I am first able to shake off this heavy cloak of sarcasm, I will attempt to briefly review both the film and the soundtrack simultaneously (because I want to).  Enjoy...

 

It’s a well done, but considerably flawed piece of work.  Entertaining enough to keep your attention throughout, but not so engrossing that the sudden itch for a bathroom break would be cause for annoyance.  With a somewhat colorless tone overall, the occasional stylistic flair is added in an attempt to gain the “indie cred” that its creators so obviously crave.  But by the time it’s all over, you probably won’t find yourself writing home about anything.  Though it could have been much worse, you’ll soon be reminded of the fact that it has all been done before... and much better.

 

 

 

Still have no idea what I’m talking about?  Here’s the tracklist...

 

1. "Maybe Tomorrow" - Stereophonics
2. "Everybody Is Somebody" - Lifehouse
3. "A Movie Script Ending" (acoustic) - Death Cab for Cutie
4. "How To Be Dead" - Snow Patrol
5. "Lover's Spit" - Broken Social Scene
6. "Retour a Vega" - The Stills
7. "Flowers in December" - Mazzy Star
8. "When the Day Is Done" - The Legends
9. "When I Goosestep" - The Shins
10. "Light Switch" - Jaime Wyatt
11. "These Days" - Mates of State
12. "All I Do" - +/-
13. "We Have a Map of the Piano" - Mum
14. "Against All Odds" - Postal Service
15. "Strange and Beautiful" - Aqualung
16. "I Know You Are But What Am I?" - Mogwai
17. "The Scientist" - Johnette Napolitano and Danny Lohner