Review of The Italian Job (2003) by Jake A — 11 Feb 2011

I haven't seen Michael Caine's original Italian Job, which this film is a remake of, so I don't know how this film stacks up with the british classic, so feel free to tell me how this fares with the original in the comments section. Now onto your regularly sceduled review...

I found this movie to be quite enjoyable with a likeable cast, but honestly, I found so many bits to be predictable that I was guessing what will happen before it did. You can easily guess which character will die, which character will betray the group, that the original plan won't go according to plan and that dear old Mark Whalberg will get with Bridgers daughter. I'm not saying the entire film was predictable, just a number of parts, and to be fair, this isn't the only film to haave suffered from being a bit predictable.

All of the characters were a delight however. Edward Norton plays the slimy, conniving backstabber very well, as you would expect from the star of Fight Club and American History X. Mark Whalberg reminds you that he can play good, which you would have forgotten in Planet of the Apes and The Happening. Seth Green plays the nerdy character very well, definately one of the best characters in the film. That said, I felt his Napster joke ran on for a bit long. Jason Statham was definately the best actor here, playing the ever charming Handsome Rob, with the best backstory (Charlie comes second, a little Whalberg mastermind is very funny).

The mini coopers were quite cool, and the end plan was very exhilarating, from driving through the subway, past the train, sending the truck through the road and the bikers chasing them, it was a brilliant plan. I especially liked Mark Whalberg and the helicopter chase.

The Ukarain gang plot felt a bit tacked on though, like they added it just to have the film run at a longer pace. The end credits was quite good, my favourite bit was Seth Green finally getting his desired stereo system (and a girlfriend to boot).

I found this film to be enjoyable, but the gang plot didn't feel right with me,m parts left me bored and some parts predictable. But I would happily watch The Brazillian Job, if they ever got round to it.