Film Music Reporter

Only one movie is opening in wide release this weekend:

Already beating box office records is the comic book adaptation The Avengers written and directed by Joss Whedon and starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Clark Gregg and Samuel L. Jackson. The film’s score is composed by Alan Silvestri. The composer’s score has been released digitally on Hollywood Records and in an expanded form on CD by Intrada Records. Check out our previous article for the full details and audio clips and also visit Film Music Magazine for an interview with Silvestri. A separate soundtrack featuring songs from and inspired by the film, including Soundgarden’s end credits song Live to Rise has also been released (click here for more information).

Opening in limited release is the comedy The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel directed by John Madden and starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel and Tom Wilkinson. Thomas Newman has composed the film’s music. A soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score has been released by Sony Classical earlier this week in the US. Visit our soundtrack announcement for the full album details, including audio clips. Also check out an audio interview with composer about his work on the score on Classic FM.

Also opening in limited release is the romantic drama A Little Bit of Heaven directed by Nicole Kassell (The Woodsman) and starring Kate Hudson, Whoopi Goldberg, Gael Garcia Bernal and Kathy Bates. The film’s original score is composed by Heitor Pereira (Despicable Me, The Smurfs). No soundtrack album has been announced. The movie is set in New Orleans and follows an irreverent young woman who unexpectedly falls in love with her doctor. To learn more about the Millennium Entertainment release and to watch the trailer, visit the official movie website.

Also opening in select cities is the documentary Last Call at the Oasis directed byJessica Yu about the global water crisis, which exposes defects in the current system, shows communities already struggling with its ill-effects and highlights individuals championing revolutionary solutions. Jeff Beal (Appaloosa, Rome, Carnivale) has composed the film’s music. Milan Records has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score. Check out our previous article to find out more about the release and listen to clips from Beal’s music.

Another film opening in limited release this week is the documentary First Position directed by Bess Kargman. The movie follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries. The film’s score is written by Chris Hajian. No soundtrack album is available, but a track from the score can be checked out on the composer’s official website. Also visit Film Music Media for an audio interview with the composer about his work on the film, as well as ASCAP and Examiner for more interviews. To learn more about the documentary, which will also be released on VOD on May 15, visit IFC’s official movie website.

Finally, also opening in select markets is the comedy LOL directed by Lisa Azuelos and starring Miley Cyrus, Ashley Greene, Thomas Jane and Demi Moore. The film’s score is composed by Rob Simonsen (500 Days of Summer, All Good Things). No soundtrack album has been released. The film is a remake of the French 2008 film LOL (Laughing Out Loud) ® starring Sophie Marceau and follows a teenage girl who is dumped by her older boyfriend while her divorced mother struggles to move on with her life. To find out more about the film, visit the official movie page.