Plot: What’s it about?
To all you fans of method actors, you have your dream movie! Yes, Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro and Edward Norton are all in a movie together. Spanning three generations, these actors are considered some of the best around (either for their time or currently). And now we have all three in the same movie getting ready to make the ultimate score! While Robert DeNiro was more in my timeline as is Edward Norton, I have a great respect for Brando, despite his size these days. Not that an actors size determines how good of a role he can play, but he’s not the draw that he used to be. Nevertheless, the mere thought of all three of these actors is probably something that won’t happen again anytime soon. So, what do DeNiro, Norton and Brando all have in common with robbery?
Nick Wells (Robert DeNiro) has been a master thief for a long time. He’s at the end of his rope and is ready to retire and concentrate on the few things that give him real substance in his life. His girlfriend, Diane (Angela Bassett), loves him and is ready for him to give up his illegal ways and is essentially waiting for him to commit to her. He also owns a Jazz bar where he likes to hang out and is the essence of his life. The trouble for Nick is that he’s financially his business partner and friend, Max (Marlon Brando) for a lot of money. This bill is something that is holding Nick back from getting on with the rest of his life and he would obviously like to see it erased. Max has a deal where the payoff is extremely high (some $30 million dollars) for a scepter from the 16th century. Max also has asked Nick to do something he has never done before, which is to work with a partner. In this case, it’s Jack (Edward Norton), who’s a young and cocky punk, but who is good at his "job" nonetheless. Jack has an alter identity by the name of Brian who he portrays as a mentally challenged janitor working at a Montreal museum. The whole reason behind this is that the scepter is located in the museum and Brian is an inside source to scout the area, thereby making the score that much easier.
Does all of this work out? Well, would there be a movie without any friction involved? The main point of the movie, I feel, is to showcase the talents of three of the better (best) actors still around today. While Brando’s appearances are few and far between on screen, he is still a force, namely considering all of the great roles he’s portrayed throughout the years. DeNiro is in pretty much the same boat. Though not as old as Marlon Brando, he is a legend in Hollywood and I look forward to every chance I get to see him on screen. And as far as Edward Norton goes…the man is amazing. From the first time I saw him in Primal Fear, I have been captivated by his acting abilities. He is truly destined for greatness and I sense an Academy Award in his not too distant future (though I doubt it will be for his role here). The Score is a somewhat predictable movie, with an unpredicatable ending. The main reason to see it is because of the cast, though Brando has more of a cameo role, he is still good to watch. As far as movies about thieves go, I can say this…it’s better than ‘The Real McCoy’! I recommend at least a rental, and with the added features, your money won’t be wasted if you decide to purchase the DVD.
Video: How does it look?
The Score is presented in it’s original aspect ratio of approximately 2.35:1. Like most action/drama movies, the extra gague of the screen is used wisely. For the most part, the image looks very clean and vivid throughout. The video has a very film-like quality to it that enhances the picture that much more. Black levels, and this is a very dark movie physically by the way, are right on target and avoid any artifacting. I noticed no edge enhancement at all and my only complaint would be that there was a bit of redness to the fleshtones. While the lack of errors might seem to justify a perfect rating, I think it’s the next best thing. I don’t see why anyone should be disappointed, as this is an excellent visual treatment.
Audio: How does it sound?
The inlcluded Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is very aggressive. While there aren’t a whole lot of action effects to make the speakers do their thing, there is enough to enhance the experience. The most noticeable thing is the safe exploding at the end (I say that knowing I’m not giving away much…it’s a movie about safe-cracking for cyrin’ out loud!), that sounds awesome. The rear speakers are alive and abuzz for the last part of the movie. Again, while this isn’t reference quality sound, it’s a great track that won’t let you down.
Supplements: What are the extras?
While not labeled a Special Edition perse, The Score contains it’s share of supplements. The most major feature is the screen-specific commentary by Director Frank Oz and Director of Photography Rob Hahn. Oz, being the more experienced Director/Actor that he is, is the life of the commentary, but as he notes, there was a lot of improvisation with the three main actors (Brando, DeNiro and Norton), but he is very fluid throughout and informative as well. Not the best track, but it’s like his one for Bowfinger and Little Shop of Horrors. A twelve minute featurette entitled “Making the Score” is also included. This is another in a long line of cookie-cutter featurettes, but I would advise watching it after the movie, as the last minute or two seem to give the whole thing away. Just my opinion, but that’s why you’re reading this, right? Some deleted scenes (labeled Additional Scenes) are also included, but are mainly just other verisons of existing scenes. Lastly, a theatrical trailer is included. Again, I liked The Score, it’s fun and has one of the better casts. The DVD does the film justice, but I’d like to see a bit more on the supplements side. But Paramount is pretty hit and miss when it comes to Special Features, so I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth! Fans of the movie should be pleased with this offering.
