The Score Review
by Shannon Patrick Sullivan (shannon AT morgan DOT ucs DOT mun DOT ca)August 29th, 2001
THE SCORE (2001) / ** 1/2
Directed by Frank Oz. Screenplay by Kario Salem, Lem Dobbs, and Scott Marshall Smith, based on a story by Daniel E Taylor and Salem. Starring Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, Marlon Brando. Running time: 124 minutes. Rated AA for offensive language by the MFCB. Reviewed on August 21st, 2001.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: Nick (De Niro) is a world-class burglar on the verge of retirement. At the behest of his old pal Max (Brando), Nick agrees to one last job, stealing a priceless sceptre from a government facility. Nick reluctantly teams up with a con man named Jack (Norton), who has insinuated himself inside the facility. But as Nick formulates a complex plan to acquire the sceptre, can he continue to trust the ambitious Jack?
Review: "The Score" is an entertaining, well-made film, but one that -- given the potency of its stars -- just isn't as good as it probably should have been. The mechanics of an enjoyable heist thriller are competently executed, but the picture lacks heart. The hook of the "criminal pulling one last job" is too familiar, and efforts to flesh out and lionise De Niro's Nick generally fall flat. Indeed, scenes such as those involving Angela Bassett (as Nick's love interest) just bog the film down; they feel superficial and obvious, and the two actors share little chemistry. Brando is obviously having a ball hamming it up as the effeminate Max, and "The Score" benefits from his all-too-rare presence. But the real star of the show is Norton, whose turn here as talented but conniving Jack is terrific to watch. The screenplay itself is fine, throwing in the requisite number of crosses and double crosses to maintain audience interest. Oz does a good job of keeping things lively even when working through the seemingly tedious logistics of Nick's plan; the final half hour is undeniably rivetting. There is a sense, though, of an opportunity missed. It's rare to gather three generations of Hollywood star power in one movie, and to waste it on what is, essentially, just another by-the-numbers action film (even an unusually intelligent one) seems, well, criminal.
Copyright © 2001 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
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