The Score (2001, director Frank Oz) doesn't deserve half of the hundred words epinions requires. I'll keep it brief:

This movie features Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando, and Edward Norton, some of the best actors in the business, acting out a script so predictable, it's almost campy. An indebted seller of expensive stolen goods (Brando) recruits a middle aged safe-cracker/nightclub owner (De Niro) who wants to settle down with his girlfriend, and a cocky young con artist (Norton) to steal a valuable relic from a high security customs building in Montreal.

(Canadians will be sad to learn that their priceless national treasures are stored beside a 12 foot wide open sewer grate.)

If you saw the trailer, you know that (1) Norton pretends to be a retarded janitor in order to scope the place out, and (2) he betrays De Niro in the end. The last-minute "surprise" ending is that De Niro pulls the old switcheroo, leaving Norton empty-handed.

By way of cinematography, The Score is unremarkable. (Those who see "stylish film noir" in this movie are trying too hard to be kind to the actors.)

By way of tension, The Score is unremarkable.

And by way of acting, Ed Norton gives The Score its only redeeming performance, even if it is at the expense of the mentally handicapped.

For a slightly better theft caper, I recommend spending $3 renting The Thomas Crown Affair remake, as its action scenes are more believable, and it boasts a lovely soundtrack. And speaking of music, don't dare confuse this slop of celluloid with the Fugees' 1996 album of the same name.


Rated R. Contains foul language, moderate violence, and sexual references.

Recommended:
No

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older