The Score feels like an older crime flick from several decades ago, when dialogue was still king. Stunts and gunplay are used sparingly, as the movie concentrates on the more mundane and brainy aspects of a great burglary.
There’s a strong cast representing 3 generations of great actors to keep us engaged as the plot thickens. Robert DeNiro is Nick Wells, a safecracker nearing retirement after a long, cautious career. We’re drawn to him, because he’s not too arrogant. He doesn’t want to rule the underworld or get super-rich; he just wants to do his job, get his cut, then settle down with his girlfriend (Angela Bassett) and his jazz club. Edward Norton is a talented younger thief who comes up with the idea for a big job. He’s hot-headed and cocky, but he needs Nick to collaborate in order to pull it off. The tension and interplay between the two is the main appeal, throughout the movie. Marlon Brando is Nick’s longtime contact. Unlike with the previous classic crime boss roles, this character is more bumbling: less menace, more pathos.
It’s safe to say that all 3 players give good, solid performances. Alas, the roles, and the overall film aren’t super-memorable. I sort of liked Nick, but not enough so that I particularly care what happens to him. I still don’t quite understand why, after decades of playing it safe on his own, he would suddenly agree to do a big, high-risk job with an unknown partner. All the major players are half-believable and half-likable in this fashion.
This is not to say that the film wasn’t entertaining. I did enjoy some moderate anticipation and suspense as the break-in progressed. I even savored the plot twists, predictable as they were. The Score isn’t bad, it’s just not great. Patient thrill-seekers and fans of the cast should find it worth watching.