The Other Side of Heaven
AllMusic Review by Jared Johnson
The report card on this spiritually themed film score is sufficient for any orchestral honor roll. Kevin Kiner finds particular strength in four areas: mature orchestration, expanding emotions, composing themes that reflect the plot and characters, and matching the tone of the film itself. A lush symphonic melody successfully augments the movie's emotive prowess. During the film, this score brings higher highs and lower lows, causing you to laugh at the culture shock of an Idaho farm boy living in Tonga, while crying as he forms a family with the entire island and almost dies in a powerful monsoon. Considered purely for its musical value, Kiner 's soundtrack is well suited nestled among works by Michael Kamen and James Horner. It's easy to point out "Rip It Up," a swing diddy that almost doesn't fit because it's so American. Not hyped like broader releases, this is one of a handful of souvenirs filmgoers can bring home to remember how they felt while watching The Other Side of Heaven.