The Italian Job (2003)

The Italian Job is Pure Intrattenimento!  
by Terri Clark

According to master safecracker John Bridger (Donald Sutherland), there are two kinds of thieves, those who steal to enrich their lives and those who steal to define their lives. Bridger believes 35 million dollars worth of gold bars could seriously enrich his life, so with the help of his team - apprentice Charlie (Mark Wahlberg), inside man Steve (Edward Norton), computer genius Lyle (Seth Green), wheelman Handsome Rob (Jason Statham) and demolition expert Left-Ear (Mos Def) - he plans The Italian Job. With great precision and flawless execution, the group robs a palazzo in Venice and makes a clean getaway. Just when they think they're free and easy, one of their own double crosses them and kills Bridger. Now the team wants revenge and to recover what belongs to them, but they're one safecracker short. Fortunately, Charlie knows the perfect person for the job…Bridger's daughter, Stella (Charlize Theron).

If I had to describe The Italian Job in one word it would be bellissimo. This heist of a heist of a heist is a beautiful blend of cleverness, outrageous stunts and a superb cast. It's pure intrattenimento - entertainment! From the boat chase down the canals of Venice to the MINI Cooper scramble down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this is an adventure from beginning to end. The action sequences are inventive and invigorating. Little to no CGI was used for these exciting scenes, instead the actors were sent to driving school so they could perform many of their own stunts in real locations.

From the Grand Canal to the Italian Alps to the largest traffic jam in L.A.'s history, this remake of the beloved 1969 UK classic, which starred Noel Coward and Michael Caine, has been updated and Americanized, but thanks to the deft hand of director F. Gary Gray it sticks to the core story and delivers a wild ride. As enjoyable as it is, it's not without a few faults. Unlike the original's open-ended finale, this version has all the threads tied together into a too neat bow. The ending sequence between Charlie and Stella is horribly improbable considering there's virtually no sexual tension between the two characters at all. Not to mention the fact that there's zippo chemistry between Wahlberg and Theron. That gripe aside, Wahlberg seems--thankfully--less stilted this time around then he has in past films. Amid this large cast, the real standouts are Seth Green, who adds a great deal of comedy to this caper, and Ed Norton, who despite making a big public stink about not wanting to appear in this film (he was contractually obligated) is splendid as the oily and sniveling Steve.

This remake may steal from the original, but it definitely enriched the story. Let The Italian Job nab your attention. It's one time you won't mind letting someone take your money.

First printed in West Life News 6/18/03

MOVIE FACTS

Title: The Italian Job

Grade: B

Rating: PG-13 for violence and some language.

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Director: F. Gary Gray

Screenplay: Troy Kennedy-Martin (1969 screenplay), Donna Powers, Wayne Powers.

Cast: Donald Sutherland, Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Mos Def, Seth Green, Edward Norton, Jason Statham.

Time: 104

Genre: Drama/ Adventure/Crime/Caper

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Terri Clark (TerriClark4@aol.com) is a freelance movie critic. She's written for Moviefone.com, the Apollo Guide, the All Movie Guide, West Life News and the Women's Independent Press.

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