"Cannonball Run II" Score: A Guilty Pleasure Orchestral Romp?

Alright soundtrack junkies, HughesReviews here. Today, let's dive into a controversial one: "Cannonball Run II". Look, I know, I know, the movie itself...it's not exactly cinematic gold. It's a silly, star-studded, borderline nonsensical romp. But as a score guy, I find something weirdly compelling about Al Capps' work here. Capps leans hard into the comedic aspect. It's pure 80s action-comedy fare - think lots of brassy fanfares, quirky synth stabs, and cues that practically scream "wacky hijinks are about to unfold!" There's a main theme that's catchy as all get out, even if it's a bit repetitive. What's REALLY interesting is how Capps incorporates these lush orchestral textures into what is, at its heart, a very goofy film. It's like he's trying to elevate the material, but also fully embracing the absurdity of it all. I think this is why It works so well. It is a true piece of the film, rather than something pasted on. It's not a score I'd put on a "best of" list, but it's undoubtedly memorable. The cue when Dom DeLuise as "Captain Chaos" (possibly the best thing about the entire movie) shows up to 'help' is fantastic! Here's my theory: Capps knew exactly what kind of movie he was scoring. He wasn't trying to write a profound, emotionally resonant score. He was having fun, and that energy translates directly into the music. It's a score that's perfectly calibrated to the film's tone, even if that tone is…extremely goofy. Is it high art? Absolutely not. Is it a guilty pleasure that I find myself humming for days after watching the movie? You betcha. Anyone else secretly love the score, despite the movie's, uh, questionable merits? Let me know what you think in the comments!