The Score
2001 · Directed by Frank Oz
Original language: English
- action
- crime
- thriller
- mystery
- drama
The story
An aging thief hopes to retire and live off his ill-gotten wealth when a young kid convinces him into doing one last heist.
What it’s like
Warm, tactile heist-thriller polish: Montreal and Quebec City rendered in cold blue winter dusk, the rush of traffic-lit streets, and the glassy, reflective hush of a Customs House and a richly appointed mansion. Frank Oz frames his two veteran performers with unhurried patience, letting long two-shot conversations play out in amber lamplight and quiet hotel rooms, while the planning sequences turn to clean, diagrammatic shots of blueprints, surveillance-camera grids and gleaming jewelry cases. The score is brassy, mid-tempo jazz that keeps the suspense light and the mood sly rather than frantic. Vibe: smooth, old-school caper cool with a wry, bittersweet edge, best for a slow weekend evening or a comfort rewatch with a drink in hand. Pacing is measured, building through careful preparation and grown-up banter toward a tense, precise payoff. The emotional arc follows an ageing professional reluctantly trusting a brash younger partner, with rivalry softening into fragile mentorship. Violence is rare and brief, with some firearms and a few sharp, sudden moments; no gore, and sexual content is minimal. For people who want clever, character-driven crime with style and a bit of heart.
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