The Quill #3: Music Reviews #2

March 17, 2025

Sucker Punch: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Amidst a whirlwind of stunning visuals and a killer soundtrack, Sucker Punch takes you on a chaotic journey through the mind of a young woman fighting for her freedom, but is it a breathtaking escape or just a beautifully crafted distraction from a muddled plot? If I were to think of movies filled with plot holes, Sucker Punch by Zack Snyder would be one of them. Although I love the cinematic elements and believe that the film was ahead of its time in some ways, I was left with so many unanswered questions by the end. I wish they’d filmed a second one that explained some of the plot holes. The visual appeal is there. That’s why I love that movie so much, but the story was lacking. The soundtrack adds to the dreamlike appeal of the action-packed yet haphazard plot.

For those of you who don’t know Sucker Punch, here’s a quick summary of the plot:
A young girl named Babydoll is institutionalized by her abusive stepfather. The institute is also abusive, and Babydoll retreats into her imagination as a coping mechanism. She plans her escape with her fellow inmates through this imaginative world. Babydoll escapes her surroundings while she is supposed to dance. But we never see her dance. Why don’t we? Who is dead? Who is alive? How did the escape plan really play out? Why did they need a bottle of alcohol to escape when it was never mentioned?

Amidst the lacking plot, the music pulls the viewer into the action-packed scenes. It features a mix of classic rock covers and original songs that fit the surreal and intense atmosphere perfectly.

1. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Emily BrowningThis song is a cover of the Eurythmics classic that sets up the intense atmosphere of the movie right at the beginning.
2. “Army of Me” by Björk, featuring Skunk AnansieThis song is the perfect edgy vibe needed for the more action-filled scenes, and there are plenty in the movie.
3. “White Rabbit” by Emiliana TorriniThis song is a cover of Jefferson Airplane’s psychedelic hit that adds to the fantasy elements in the movie.
4. “Where Is My Mind?” by Yoav featuring Emily BrowningThis song is a unique cover of the Pixies’ song that adds a more emotional layer to the movie.
5. “I Want It All/We Will Rock You” by Queen with Armageddon a.k.a. GeddyThis mashup brings energy to the film.

The songs above help make Sucker Punch the fantasy/action movie that it is. They create an immersive and dynamic experience with their haunting covers and powerful anthems.