MovieScore Media release David James Nielsen's uplifting, thematically rich score for the family mystery adventure Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket. The film stars Bailee Madison as the titular teenage mystery writer who faces a real life haunting on a vacation. While spending some time on the historic Nantucket Island, Annabelle and her friends must outwit two scheming thieves to solve the secret behind a legendary ghost story...

David James Nielsen's (Tales from Beyond, Haunting Villisca, Tall Ships: The Privateer Lynx) score for Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket is like a beautiful blast from the past. To my ears it reminded me of some of the wonderful teenage adventure movies of the '80s. I defy you to listen to 'Lillian's Ghost', in particular, and not be reminded of the magic of Dave Grusin's original score for The Goonies (1985), while tracks like 'Whaling Museum' and 'Inspiration / Church' capture the spirit of Nathan McCree's music for the original 1996 Tomb Raider game. In addition, 'Ghost Tour Start / Argyle and Tweed Meet Silas' has a gothic Danny Elfman vibe to it.

The album contains 26 tracks (1 hr, 18 min, 52 sec) and the movie's main theme is subtly woven throughout the score. It's a sweet piece of music, but it's not over used to the point where it becomes obvious. While there isn't a dull moment, I have to single out 'Eye of the Storm / Saying Goodbye' as the most beautiful track on the album, closely followed by 'Annabelle Finale and End Credits' and 'Billy and Annabelle's Love Theme'.

Overall this is a gorgeous little score that takes me back to when James Horner and Jerry Goldsmith were at the height of their careers. Nielsen is certainly a composer who is worth watching out for in the future.

9

Darren Rea