A Snappy, Sparlking Caper(s) Film
THE ITALIAN JOB has style and a grand sense of speed and action in one of the better caper films of recent years. Where other heist-based films push the button for unremitting tension, THE ITALIAN JOB combines sleekly written dialogue and character interaction which makes all of the tension scenes (and there are plenty) all the more credible. The photography of the inevitable car chases and 'inside shots' of the capers is terrific, with the scenes set in Venice, Italy among the best. The cast is electrically charged without that all too familiar over-the-top push. Donald Sutherland and Charlize Theron (father/daughter team) are superb, and Mark Wahlberg, Jason Statham, Seth Green, Mos Def, and Franky G establish a comraderie that is destined to overcome their betraying partner Edward Norton. With a cast like this you almost don't need a script, but the writing has a fine balance of bite and wit. For sheer explosive entertainment by a crew of winners this movie is among the best in this genre.

and the "italian" part is well... misleading coz the whole thing took place in los angeles. the first heist though, took place in venice (instead of turin in the original).

enough of that. i love this movie. it's not the same as the original italian job, but what is? the michael caine vehicle is an unbelievable movie and i doubt that anything could ever top that one in it's originality, script and performance in the heist genre. that said, this 2003 remake is far from incompetent and god forbid, mediocre. i's a whole new different ball game, and it's well made with an excellent cast and great directing.

ed norton plays the utterly slimy and oily villain who stole the gold from the team led by croker (wahlberg). in the process, he left them for dead and killed theron's father played by sutherland. they managed to track down norton, now living it up in LA, and it's payback time...

this is really enjoyable. so many heist movies in recent memory failed to live up to their expectations, but even with a tough predecessor (the original italian job) this movie shines as one feel good escapade. some complained about the formulaic plot, but i think it's better to have a formulaic plot and still able to pull it off with great performance, directing and energy. after all, people go to the movies to be entertained.

and you shall...

Review this book