Most of the older songs included on the soundtrack to this animated feature are so well-known that they border on well-worn (Vangelis' Chariots of Fire theme has to be one of the most reused pieces of 20th-century music ever) but their feel-good quotient is also hard to deny. (Earth, Wind & Fire's "Boogie Wonderland" again? Sure, bring it on!) Still, it's hard not to wish the brains behind this CD had included snippets from the movie, considering it features the vocal talents of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, and David Schwimmer. (One of the soundtrack's draws is a cover of Reel 2 Real's early '90s hit "I Like to Move It" by Sacha Baron Cohen (a.k.a. Ali G), who voices one of the characters. The track could well turn into the kind of kiddie hit inescapable at the coolest birthday party this year. The other big draw is "Best Friends," a catchy tune halfway between the Beach Boys and Belle & Sebastian that shows that composer Hans Zimmer can do lighthearted whimsy when needed. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
