The Insider for Sept. 10

Phoning it in, punching a clock, spreading margarine instead of butter, no matter how you say it, the sentiment is the same - Robert DeNiro has not been delivering on his reputation.

Meet the Fockers, Analyze That, Everybody’s Fine…c’mon, this dude’s supposed to be one of the greats.

Well, Star movie dean Peter Howell says Bobby D is back to form in Stone which premieres Friday at 9 p.m. at Elgin Theatre. “He's completely engaged in John Curran's drama, playing a parole officer whose personal foibles are about to haunt him,” Howell said.

Thank goodness, because co-star Edward Norton, who plays a cunning arsonist, replete with tats and cornrows, is no slouch and apparently the fetching Milla Jovovich, playing wife to Norton’s character, is an impressive foil to the fellas. The film also screens on Sept. 11, 2:30 p.m., Varsity Theatre and Sept. 18, 6 p.m., Ryerson Theatre.

Also hitting the red carpet today: father-son acting duo, Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez at 2:45 p.m. for The Way premiere at Winter Garden. Estevez also directed the film about a literal journey that yields self-discovery.

It’s a Biutiful night, says party patroller Rita Zekas. A private soiree for Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, a close pal of newlywed actors Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, is being held at Bistro 990 early enough for all to decamp to the after-party for Bardem's film Biutiful at Soho House Lounge.

And if you are an FOB, friend of Bill Gates – he’s in town to support education doc Waiting for Superman - you can talk technology over drinks at his invite-only bash at Ciao.

Culture vultures will want to flock to Toro Lounge for Caitlin Cronenberg's photo exhibit.

-- Ashante Infantry