Well, let's see... The Score is not a bad film but isn't great either. It does take a while to get started and much of the first half hour is a waste of time, but as it plods along it has some interesting elements, particularly once the heist begins. Edward Norton's role was well played. And Robert De Nero did a creditable job. Marlon Brando was okay too, but didn't have a great deal to do in this film. Elderly Canadian character actor Paul Soles did a fine job with his janitorial role. While the acting wasn't a problem, the script was. The "problem" is that the caper wasn't quite believable. Norton is smart enough to plan the heist, but not smart enough to see the outcome which, although part of his plan, appeared to backfire in a surprising conclusion. He should have known... We're left to wonder was De Nero just lucky or really cunning as a thief? The Score is worth viewing, but better films in this genre include "Ocean's Eleven" and "The Thomas Crown Affair" (only the recent remakes, not the originals). Likewise, a better De Nero vehicle, though darker, was "Ronin." Just as "The Score" takes place in French Canada (Montreal), "Ronin" uses Paris, Arles, and Nice as its French backdrops. Ed Norton was also much more sympathetic in the funny and touching "Keeping the Faith." If you see "The Score" that's fine... but see these other films as well for better entertainment value. Overall, a 7.5/10.
