Since this summer has been lacking in anything that might be considered relatively intelligent or adult oriented (with the exception of maybe A.I. or Moulin Rouge), The Score comes as a welcome surprise. Although this movie is basically comprised of elements from heist pictures of the past, it's a textbook exercise in stellar acting and competent film-making.

Robert DeNiro stars as a professional thief who's ready to retire. He's asked to do one more job by a close friend and associate (Marlon Brando). With the help of an arrogant yet skilled newcomer (Edward Norton), these guys may be able to hit the big pay day.

Obviously, the big draw in The Score is the first rate cast. All three are legendary in their own way. DeNiro is absolutely fantastic as the aging pro. This is sort of a fusion of the his characters in Heat and Midnight Run and you'll root for him every step of the way. Brando is so likable and natural in his delivery, that you are reminded of the magic that made him a star in the first place. Norton gets the showiest role in The Score. Not only does he play the cocky, self assured thief. He does double duty, posing as a disabled janitor as well. Although he pulled off a similar task in Primal Fear, there is no doubt that this guy is an extraordinary actor. Only beauty Angela Bassett is wasted in a thankless role as DeNiro's girlfriend. She gives a good performance but her character is hardly developed.

What impressed me most about The Score, is Frank Oz's direction. In case you are wondering, this is the same Frank Oz associated with Miss Piggy, and Yoda. He's also gone on to build quite the film-making resume with movies like Little Shop of Horrors, What About Bob, The Dark Crystal, and many more . Surprisingly, Oz has never been involved in anything quite this serious. Although, as I watched The Score with all it's twists and double crosses, It did occur to me that this movie was made by the same guy that did Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. And while that picture was obviously a comedy, it did offer up some of the same themes. Oz shows much restraint in The Score. Everything you see is quite subtle. And even though this picture has it's fare share of plot twists, they never really seem out of character. This movie is deliberately paced. It doesn't move like a bullet train but it's hardly a dull experience. In fact, The Score is quite fascinating and almost works as an instruction manual for thievery.

I do have minor complaints with some of the twists towards the end of the film. The're quite expected and not in keeping with the tone of the rest of the picture. Rather than keeping things quiet and real, we get a bit of a payoff which I must admit, is fun, but a little out of place. With it's beautifully textured performances and observant directing, I really liked The Score. In a summer of mediocrity, it was a pleasant diversion.