Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Songs You Should Know- Snakes on a Plane (Bring It) Cobra Starship

In the book of PAJ, in order for a theme song to be considered truly great, it has to have at least TWO of the following three elements.

1. It has to include the title of the project in the actual lyrics.

2. It should accurately describe the theme of the movie, with bonus points if the lyrics actually include plot points.

3. You should be able to visualize the song being sung by by the one of the main cast members, bonus points if the song is actually sung by a cast member.

Off the top of my head, here are some examples of the theme songs that meet this criteria
TV: Three's Company, Facts of Life, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Silver Spoons, Love Boat, WKRP, Saved by the Bell, Duck Tales, Growing Pains and Kids Incorporated. I would include Gilligan's Island, but that Applebee's commercial sends me into a blinding rage.

Movies: Footloose, Ghostbusters, Fame, The Rose, 9 to 5, Jailhouse Rock

Recently, movie theme songs have been lacking in meeting these criteria, with maybe "Lose Yourself" from Eminem's 8 Mile being the best non children's movie example. I guess it's easier to buy a hit song and attach it to a movie rather than follow the theme songs rule which may hinder a soundtrack's marketability.

This is why I LOVE anything associated with Snakes on a Plane and it's rejection of taking the safe path and throwing all self-importance out the window. Starting with the story of Samuel L. Jackson's refusal to have the name changed and the birth of the catchphrase described here The movie's "you know it's going to be bad, we know it's going to be bad, let's have some fun" approach has been so refreshing. I really hope that this becomes a hit so we see more of this in Hollywood. Otherwise, we'll end up with more movies like The Descent...wait haven't heard of it? It's the one with the hot chicks that go into a scary cave. Which of course begs the question, why didn't they just call it "Hot Chicks, Scary Cave"? Well maybe they could come up with a less porno-y title, but still...I might respect the film more and actually watch it.

Anyway, as usual, I digress. Here's the video that I can't stop watching. All it needs now it a white guy as one of the co-stars and this might hit the theme song trifecta. Here's Snakes on a Plane (bring it) by Cobra Starship.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh man that song is too good, TOO GOOD!!

That movie can't come fast enough. I'm seein it the FIRST DAY!!!

Anonymous said...

OH IM READY FOR IT
COME ON BRINGIT

Anonymous said...

This song totally rox! I can't wait for the movie to come out! I'm ready for it, so come on bring it!