Robert De Niro and Edward Norton team up for the first time since 2001′s The Score, and prove nothing is ever set in stone.
I went to see Stone for only two reasons. 1) Robert De Niro 2) Edward Norton. There are only a few great actors who can make me go see a film without caring about the plot. De Niro and Norton are those types of actors. The kind of actors you would pay to see read the phone book.
The plot seems very clear cut at first. A convicted arsonist who goes by the nickname Stone (Norton, sporting corn rows) looks to manipulate a “decent Jesus loving” parole officer (De Niro) into a plan to secure his parole by placing his beautiful sexpot of a wife (Milla Jovovich) in the lawman’s path. The film turns into a true morality tale when the married parole officer is seduced by Stone’s wife. Throughout the movie, good vs. evil, right from wrong and other moral values come in to play. At times you have to wonder if Stone is the only honest character of this sinful bunch.
Edward Norton, for my money, is simply one of the five best actors working in the business today. He is a true chameleon and his gift for creating a character is always remarkable. I was very pleased to see Robert De Niro back on the big screen in a role he could really sink his teeth into. For the past couple of decades it seems he has been on easy street when it comes to some of his movie/role choices. He’s a true acting legend and his work in the 70′s and 80′s cemented him as one of the best of his generation. He hasn’t been this good since Cape Fear. Jovovich was a pleasant surprise and really showed off her talents.It’s a real treat to see all three on top of their game.
This movie may not be for everyone but if you enjoy great acting and want to have something to think about afterwards, I highly recommend Stone.
I give STONE ***1/2 out of ****
