Who wouldn't love a movie about toys? Even if it is about a war between toys. However, these are no ordinary toys. They have computer chips installed that were designed to give the toys the ability to strike a series of action poses and give battle commands. The chips were switched with top-secret artificial intelligence chips that multiply the other programming a thousand-fold. I can see where this is going. Battle royale, toy-style.

Ok, enough about that. What I need to tell you about is the soundtrack to this movie. When you pick it up off the shelf you might be inclined to think, "oh great...someone has thrown together another bunch of 80's songs for a new soundtrack. Ho-hum." But wait! Don't put it back. Carry it straight to the check-out. You might even want to start unwrapping the cellophane before you get it out of the store. Do it while the cashier is ringing up the sale.

Save yourself some time and you'll also have the added benefit of trash disposal. The big difference is that the songs here are remixes of those old favorites that we all know and love. (Ok, most of us know them. Some of us even love them.) The record begins with a cover of "War" (not every song is an old 80's fave) by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. It's a great-sounding new version of a classic that's been covered many times.

Then you have the Queen classic "Another One Bites the Dust." It's remixed by the Fugees' Wyclef Jean and features vocals by Wyclef and Pras. Hard not to like the new sound created in this mix.

Billy Squier's "The Stroke" is remixed by Dallas Austin who has produced and worked with bands from Boyz II Men and Heavy D and the Boyz, to Madonna and even The Indigo Girls. Personally speaking, this was one of my favorite songs back in its day. Austin has taken it, breathes new life into it, and creates a mix that adds to the original and broadens the appeal of the song.

Queen Latifah teams up with Pat Benatar on "Love is a Battlefield." Latifah's vocals accentuate the song and add a freshness to it. From there you get a new mix of Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll (Part 2)." Everyone knows this song, even the folks who think they don't. This new version is remixed by Dutch.

One of the best tracks on this record is The Cult's "Love Removal Machine," remixed by Mickey Petralia. I just can't get enough of this song. I've always been a Cult fan and this new mix just makes you want to dance around. The hard edge of the original isn't lost in the remix, though, don't worry.

Did I say that last song was one of the best? Well, I'd better add the Butcher Bros. remix of the Pretenders' "My City Was Gone" to that list. A spectacular song to begin with, this new version just blew me away. Kool Keith's rap in combination with Hynde's vocals make this song hard to beat.

But wait---now we have a remix of Cheap Trick's "Surrender," done by Rich Costey. This version sounds almost like a totally new song and it's fabulous. The addition of Danny Saber and Stevie Salas on guitars has given this classic a new life.

Now, I've never been a huge fan of Rush. Their music always seemed very arhythmic and disjointed to me, but I did like "Tom Sawyer" when it came out. DJ Z-Trip creates a new version of this old classic that might give hard-core Rush fans a heart-attack but I loved it. The hip-hop slant broadens the appeal of this song.

The CD ends with "War," the song we started off with. This is the version that most everyone is familiar with, Edwin Starr's vocals. What a finish. Time to press "repeat." This soundtrack is one of the best surprises I've had in quite a while. No wait, that's not entirely true. There have been a lot of great soundtracks coming out this year. Just add this one to the ever-growing list.

The movie looks interesting. I'd love to see it, but it's a film with a limited release and I live in a small town. There's always video, I guess.

The soundtrack, however, I was able to experience, and it is wonderful. "Shudder to Think" creates an interesting array of sounds and music using combinations of crystal glass tones, some eerie voices and guitar work, and limited percussion.

"The soundtrack was structured for the dramatic arc of the film," says vocalist Craig Wedren. "We wanted the music to have the same kind of ethereal, hypnotic, trancey effect as the film, but also to work on its own."

They have certainly created an appealing atmosphere on this soundtrack, and I don't think you need to see the film to appreciate the music. Jusst allow yourself to absorb this music, because it does have a different feel to it overall. Put it on when you're relaxing in the evening and can take the time to listen closely. Let the music roll over you - and then put it on repeat and listen again.

The movie was fun as long as you went in with no expectations. Just a silly romp through space. I had a good time and it was fun noticing the absurdity in some of the details.

The soundtrack gives the opportunity to sample some bands and their music. One of the problems I always have with electronica bands is that so much of the time the albums sound like one big long song. This CD puts together several bands, different sounds, and manages to create something fun to listen to.

Apollo Four Forty does the theme song and it's action-packed. The problem I had with it, was that it was a bit repetitive. I guess that's the way it is with electronica though. At least it ends before it gets too annoying.

Juno Reactor & the Creatures contribute "I'm Here....Another Planet." Definitely an other-worldly quality to this song. Then along comes The Crystal Method with "Busy Child," which was one of my favorites on the CD. It's kind of funny how some music can sound annoyingly repetitive while other combinations just make you want to dance.

Next comes "Bang On!" by the Propellerheads. This is one hell of an energetic song. Kind of head-banging electronica for the masses. The music is an all-out assault on your senses and just keeps coming.

Fatboy Slim's "Everybody Needs a 303" is another really fun song. Lots of sound effects that make this song seem like a battle through space. Then things change up with Apollo Four Forty again, and "Will and Penny's Theme." A soothing piece of romantic-sounding electronica, if there can be such a thing.

Space's "Lost in Space" is a much better sounding song than the theme. Much smoother. Less annoying. Just more appealing overall than Apollo Four Forty's song. Then the record ends with the score from the film, by Bruce Broughton. Very odd way to end, but it does give you a chance to recover from the previous music. It's very epic-sounding. Very big. Impressive. I liked it.

The whole record just kind of captures the outer space thing. I think electronic music was definitely the way to go with this soundtrack, because words just wouldn't be able to capture the feeling of this movie. I knew electronica had to be good for something. This soundtrack gives you the opportunity to taste a bit of each band, and maybe decide you like one or another enough to go out and pick up their album. If you've seen the movie, you'll probably want it for that reason alone, but it's a nice ride as is.

The movie got a warm response. There's nothing overwhelming to say about it, but many liked it. "Loved" might be too strong. The chemistry was not there with Schwimmer, they say, etc. The music, on the other hand, is wonderful. It's very breezy, very tropical-sounding. A great disc to listen to on that hot summer day in the sun, sitting in your lounge chair, sipping a cool drink under the shade of your floppy hat. Ok, maybe a bit too far there, but you get the idea I think.

The music (composed by Randy Edelman) from the first track until the last song (performed by Taj Mahal), the music kept me interested. It isn't music that fades into the background. It has a lot of energy and is a delight to listen to.

If you've seen the movie, you might want to pick this one up for that reason. If you haven't seen the movie, I recommend it sheerly for the beauty of the music. You won't be disappointed. It's a great tropical diversion for anyone's day.

Have you noticed how many instrumental scores are there lately? It seems that nowadays you can pick up the score from just about every movie you see in the theatre. I guess sometimes that's a good thing. Take "The Titanic" for example. A simply wondrous score for a truly epic film.

I guess it all depends on your level of involvement with a movie. If you love the movie you're more likely to want to be able to re-experience it, and what better way than through the music? Aside from going to see it over and over again that is, which can become quite costly. Music can re-create that atmosphere for you. Personally speaking, I'm a soundtrack junkie and I find myself with more and more instrumental scores added to my collection.

This predominantly instrumental soundtrack is not bad to listen to, but I think it probably has a much deeper impact if you've seen and enjoyed the film. I liked it purely for the feeling of suspense it created. It's probably not one that I'll play a great deal but I enjoyed it just the same. Ryuichi uses the instruments to build up a sort of "on-edge" feeling that I found exciting. There are also some very mysterious-sounding compositions included. Everything combines to create an interesting feel and a beautiful collection.

There are two vocal compositions this CD. One is called "Sin City," and is performed by Meredith Brooks. What a great song! I haven't experienced a great deal of Brooks' music but now I feel like I have to listen to more.

Lakeisha Berri contributes the other vocal number, called "The Freaky Things." It's a smooth R&B number and I really enjoyed it. It ends things on an upswing and is fantastic for dancing.

Overall, I wouldn't tell you to run out and pick this one up. Unless you saw the movie and feel like you can't live without it, you may not find enough to keep the CD in the player.

I must admit that this isn't my usual musical fare. I lean more toward rock and alternative music, and rarely step over to R&B unless, as in this case, I pick it up on a soundtrack. I'm glad I got to give this one a listen, because it's a good one. The CD is jammed with a lot of good music by some of the big names out there. Eightball and PsychoDrama, Mase, M.C.Lyte, Nate Dogg, Lost Boyz, and on and on and on.

The first song to really grab me on this CD was "Bouncin'" by Lost Boyz. This song has a great beat and makes it impossible not to just get up and dance. Nate Dogg and Warren G. contribute the first somewhat slow song, "Nobody Does It Better." The music is soothing and smooth. It's great for dancing or just sitting back and relaxing.

There is a laid-back mood created by the next few songs, and then things step up a notch again with DMX, The Lox, and Mase. The music in this song has a couple of levels. You have the forefront that puts things right out there with the lyrics, but there is also a steady backbeat. It's that backbeat that creates the mood in this song. It gives it an edge and more of an impact.

"357," by Cam'Ron, includes a music sampling that sounds a hell of a lot like the theme from Magnum P.I. My apologies if this isn't the case, but listen to it before you disagree. Just a tiny bit of music. A second or two on "Name That Tune" and it'd all be over. But it sure does sound like it. It's not a bad song but I can't get Tom Selleck out of my head while I listen to it.

Most of the remaining songs are laid-back and have an easy sort of sound. Something for kicking back to, or something for dancing nice and slow. Then comes "Drama In My Life" by EightBall and PsychoDrama. It's laid-back and yet it establishes a sort of dramatic atmosphere of its own. I really enjoyed this song.

I think this soundtrack is well worth picking up. Add it to your growing collection, and then put it on and dance, or relax with that special someone. Enjoy!

I haven't seen this movie, and I have to admit, I don't plan to see it. I saw the original, and it was a cute story, but I just didn't love it enough to make me want to see a re-make, even if it is billed as "the clever new Walt Disney Pictures' remake." I probably wouldn't have looked twice at the soundtrack either, for the same reasons. However, I'm glad I got the chance to check it out because it's well worth picking up.

The soundtrack includes classic oldies, some covers of classic oldies, and some contemporary hits. It starts off with "Nat King Cole's" signature recording, "L-O-V-E." This song is fantastic and I think that young and old alike can appreciate it, since it's such a happy song, and definitely a great song for lovers.

Then comes "Do You Believe in Magic?" by "the Lovin' Spoonful." Another oldie but goodie. A great follow-up to "Cole's" song. It kept the mood up, things uptempo, just kept everything moving and grooving.

One of the strangest covers on this album was "Top of the World," the old "Carpenters'" classic, performed by "Shonen Knife." It has a very bubble-gummy" sound to it. Sort of boppy like the "Go-Gos" when they first came on the scene. The thing that makes it sound odd to me is that they stress different syllables in the chorus. That was very hard to get used to at first because I tend to sing along with songs I know. I was out of sync with them the first few times I listened to this rendition. But, it grows on you.

One of my favorites, next to "L-O-V-E," was "Groovin'" as performed by "Pato Banton & the Reggae Revolution." A reggae beat to this old classic jazzes it up and creates a whole new song that is wonderful to listen to. Put it on and see if you don't agree.

Other songs included on this soundtrack are "I Love You For Sentimental Reasons," performed by "Linda Ronstadt," a beautiful, classic song, "Bad to the Bone" by "George Thorogood and the Destroyers," which is a personal favorite, and "The Happy Club" by "Bob Geldof." There wasn't a song on this CD that I didn't like. The music just keeps going and going.

I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this soundtrack. You may not have noticed it on the shelves for some of the same reasons that I didn't, but it's definitely worth your time and money.

This record has so much to offer - gorgeous instrumentals by John Cale, a bossa nova by Arto Lindsey, the vocals of Sandra Bernhard, and a wonderful version of "Outta Me, Onto You" by Ani DiFranco.

However, there's a downside to everything. There is a single by Yoko Ono on the record. But you can just hit skip, right? My apologies to the Yoko Ono fan out there, but I don't think the woman should be allowed to sing in the shower. Ah, but if I could rule the world . . . just for a day!

Arto Lindsey starts things off with "No Meu Sotaque." It's a beautiful song that sets a sensual tone for the rest of the record with its bossa nova beat. Abstract Truth contributes "Get Another Plan," a rather long, yet very cool, song fit for dancing. It's amazing how long those dance numbers are, isn't it? This song is a sort of cross between a dance song and a lounge number. It's very relaxing to just sit and listen to, yet it also makes you want to get up and dance. Quite versatile, quite catchy.

"Marta and Frankie" is the first instrumental by John Cale. The music is hauntingly familiar to me. Soothing. Acoustic guitars and other strings make it just melt over you. But, then comes that infernal "New York Woman" by Yoko Ono. The song isn't horrible, I just don't care for her voice. Fingernails on a chalkboard don't bother me. Her voice does. This one could have easily been left off the record.

Two very short songs follow. Another John Cale instrumental and then a snappy little tune by Limpopo called "When My Dear Mother Was Seeing Me Off to the Army." Both songs are not to be missed. Limpopo's contribution is in, I think, Russian, but don't quote me on that one. It's amazing how universal music is, because I couldn't care less if I understand the lyrics if the music is appealing. I just think it sounds like a good song to listen to while you're having a beer or two with your buddies.

"Wild Rivers," by Natalie Farr, follows another of Cale's instrumental compositions. I enjoyed everything about this song. It has fantastic lyrics. "And the dam breaks/ And the water flows/ And the truth is born again/ And your heart aches to the beat of the night/ And you still can't feel the pain." The music rocks behind it strongly, and moves the song along at a great pace, that made me hit replay more than once. I loved this song.

Truth be told, there really wasn't a song on this soundtrack that I didn't like. Aside from the vocals, I even liked the Yoko Ono song. The music was good. The other song that I have to mention outright is "Outta Me, Onto You," by Ani DiFranco. First of all, I have to clarify things and state from the get-go that I'm a big fan. However, I think everyone will find something appealing in this song. DiFranco puts out simple, straight-forward, powerful music. I admire her because she's been putting out music for years now on her own independent label, and has truly established herself in the music world. Give this one a long listen.

I heartily recommend this soundtrack. The diversity of music included is the best reason to get it. There have been so many good soundtracks released lately, and you can add this one to that growing pile. Go and pick it up. What are you waiting for?