The Score

Starring: Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, Angela Bassett, Marlon Brando
Directed by: Frank Oz
Rating: R
Genre: Action
2001

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary:A master thief (Robert DeNiro) ready to retired is lured out of the decision by an old friend (Marlon Brando) to team up with a young hotshot (Edward Norton) to pull the biggest heist of their collective careers.

Review:

Tim: Before I even get into the movie, I want to just ask a question. DeNiro looks quite hefty in this film. I wonder, did he put on a bunch of weight to play this aging thief? Brando says to him during the movie, "You look like sh*t." He is right.

Anyway, more importantly, to the film. This is tired, tired storyline. An almost-retired thief is lured back to take the biggest gamble of his life- to get out of the game for good... for real this time. One big score (hence the name) and he's out. This has been done numerous times with different twists, but almost always with the elder, wiser thief and the younger, more reckless one (The Sting) comes to mind. Besides the previously mentioned film, the pairing of the new and the old school doesn't get much better than DeNiro and Norton.

Speaking of Norton, the first appearance (and his subsequent cover)is as a mentally challenged individual. Norton plays the part brilliantly. This cannot be the easiest of feats for any actor, but Norton slides in and out of this demeanor so quickly and effortlessly that you simply have to marvel at his acting ability. If for no other reason, ignore the cliches and obviousness of this film, and watch it for Norton's performance. His cover (and his performance) are brilliant. He seems to gravitate towards interesting characters (for example, Fight Club or . This is another great one to remember.

Surprisingly, while watching this film, somehow it doesn't matter that you've seen the same storyling dozens of times and can probably figure out how it's all going to end after watching the opening credits. You get caught up in the movie. DeNiro, Brando, and Norton all give incredible performances, and you almost marvel at these three doing their things on the screen together. Honestly, this is a good heist movie. It is smart, intense, twisting, and best of all has an incredible cast (save for Angela Bassett... why is she in this movie??). Besides what you might expect, this is a very good film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Fight Club, City by the Sea, Heat, The Godfather, Primal Fear, The Sting, 15 Minutes