AMG Review of Legend of Zorro [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

James Christopher Monger
All Music Guide

Oscar-winning composer James Horner returns to the land of swashbuckling romance with #The Legend of Zorro. Horner incorporates numerous motifs, mainly the love theme and the rousing title sequence from the first film, but infuses them with more regional instrumentation (castanets, gut-string guitars, trumpets). This makes for an agreeable score that's almost professional to a fault, as Horner could do this in his sleep. Sequels are tricky for both the director and the composer alike, especially if there is a seven-year gap between projects, as the drive to keep the momentum both familiar and fresh can dilute the creative process. #The Legend of Zorro will please its target audience, as its lauded composer has mastered the art of reliability. It's an old story with a comfortable history and Horner's score reflects that.