The acting in this movie is somewhat flawed and the story line doesn’t quite hit the target, which keeps “The Score” from being a real winner.  Let’s start with the acting.  Robert De Niro plays an aging master thief/bar owner out for his last score so that he can settle down comfortably with his girlfriend (Angela Basset).  De Niro’s performance is stoic and unemotional, probably due to poor character development.  The performances by Edward Norton and Marlon Brando are what really make the movie worth watching.  Norton joins De Niro’s as a partner for his final job and his portrayal of a criminal who disguises himself as a retard makes for some funny moments.  Brando has a brief role as the mafia type character (big surprise) who must convince De Niro that this last score is worth the risk.  The movie showcases Brando’s talent with some well placed comedic remarks when he is talking with De Niro.  However, the person in charge of Brando’s makeup seems to have forgot the fact that- MEN DO NOT WEAR EYE SHADOW!

      The movie starts out fast with De Niro on one of his missions, but then slows to a crawl setting out the relationship between all the characters.  De Niro’s bar had some cool props in it, such as cobalt blue glasses, which give the realistic effect of a trendy jazz club.  The rest of the scenery is pretty drab due to the fact that the score involves breaking into a Canadian customs house.  Could they have picked a more boring place for the characters to break into?  As the movie progresses there are small incidents here and there, but not much action until the end.  The ending is somewhat surprising, but the events that produced it were predictable.

      Overall, “The Score” is a movie with sub par directing and an average story line.  The talents of these accomplished actors were under used and the story line lacked imagination.  For these reasons you should probably wait for the movie to come out on DVD and not worry about scoring tickets at your local theater.

     -- Rick, Guest Junkie ( 2 1/2 out of 4 pops )

Talk about this film with other Popkorn Junkies

       Pappy ( 3 out of  4 pops ) 

       Even though I could point out a dozen or so flaws in the plot, I enjoyed Score very much.  I enjoyed the performances, the location, the style and basic story. 

      James ( 3 out of 4 pops )

      The acting is top notch.  The script wasn't, but the actors made excellent use of what they were given to work with.  It wasn't a terrible script though, there were some funny scenes and lots of suspense, but the script seemed to lack something.  Even though I'm a big Norton fan, I never expected him to steal the show from De Niro.  That's pretty tough to do.  Wow. 

      Patsy ( 3 out of 4 pops )

      I really like Robert De Niro and Ed Norton so it was a real treat seeing them play opposite each other in this film, which, despite some pretty big holes in the plot, I really enjoyed.  I'd like to compare "The Score" to "Mission Impossible":  I think "The Score" was more realistic and artistic than "Mission Impossible", but I think "Mission Impossible" was more entertaining and suspenseful.  Both movies are tricky and fun, but "The Score" has better acting and is definitely more classic.  So, take from that what you will. 

      Mike ( 3 out of 4 pops )

      Intelligent film about the planning and carrying out of a robbery, but the great acting by De Niro, Norton, and Brando stands out above the plot.  I like the way this movie just doesn't go quickly to the robbery with a lot of special effects... but rather takes it time setting up the story and letting you know the characters.