Rating- * * * * (4/5)
More often than not, a trend will hit all the Hollywood studios simultaneously. In ’98 it was globe-destroying asteroids (Armageddon, Deep Impact). The nest year, the action moved to outer space. In 2001, all the studios decided to jump on the crime/heist movie. Of the three that were made this year by the major studios, this was my favorite. Granted, there’s nothing earth-shattering or deep about it, like David Mamet’s Heist. And it may not be star-studded and glamorous like Soderberg’s Ocean’s Eleven. It’s just a good, old-fashioned heist movie without anything to get in the way of all the intrigue, lying, and double-crossing that goes with a classic heist film. I said before that this movie wasn’t star-studded but it has its share of big names. It stars Robert DeNiro as a ready-to-retire criminal who is forced to do one last job by his aging boss, played by none other than Marlon Brando. Brando does a great turn as a slimy, self-interested crime boss trying to get whatever he can, screwing everyone over in the process. Edward Norton also turns in a great performance as DeNiro’s young punk partner in this operation, who feigns retardation in order to gain the trust of the security guards. The screenplay is filled with some great twists and turns and the actors all do their usual best. This movie won’t give you any great insight into the mind of a criminal, and it doesn’t have any great special effects, but it is a lot of fun and has one of the best endings you can ask for in a heist movie. The Score will make a great weekend rental if you’re up for some action, intrigue, and good ol’ movie magic.