The Italian Job Review
by Bob Bloom (bobbloom AT iquest DOT net)May 29th, 2003
THE ITALIAN JOB (2003) 2 1/2 stars out of 4. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Seth Green, Jason Statham, Mos Def, Franky G and Donald Sutherland. Music by John Powell. Based on a film written by Troy Kennedy Martin. Screenplay by Donna Powers & Wayne Powers. Directed by F. Gary Gray. Rated PG-13. Running time: 104 minutes.
The fun of a caper film is not the heist itself, but watching all the planning and strategizing. And it's even better when it's one set of crooks working to rip off another lawbreaker.
Such is the case of The Italian Job, a pleasant romp that despite its formulaic bent still conveys a light touch and a sense of humor.
John Powell's snappy score behind the opening credits sets the tone for what is to follow: A precision-timed heist of a safe containing $35 million in gold from a home in Venice. It is followed by a breathless boat chase through that city's canals that is the high point of the first reel.
Since there is no honor among thieves, the gang is double crossed, one member dies while the rest are left for dead, only to survive and plot revenge.
The Italian Job, a remake of a 1969 British film that starred Michael Caine, is a plot-driven vehicle, rather than a character-based feature.
And thankfully so, because the movie stars the wooden Mark Wahlberg as the brains behind this band of thieves. Wahlberg always seems to look perplexed or like he swallowed something that didn't agree with him.
The lovely Charlize Theron plays the safecracker for whom the caper is personal. There aren't enough sparks between her and Wahlberg to melt an ice cube.
Edward Norton gives an indifferent performance, while Donald Sutherland provides some grace in his few scenes.
The characters are defined by their jobs and we really learn nothing about them beyond that. Wahlberg's Charlie is the planner; Theron's Stella is the safe cracker; Seth Green's Lyle is the computer nerd; Jason Statham's Handsome Bob is the wheel man; and Mos Def's Left-Ear is the explosives expert.
The Italian Job focuses on the mechanics of pulling off the caper, though, rather than the people doing it. So when director F. Gary Gray concentrates on that aspect of the movie it holds your interest.
The feature offers some wild rides, including one through the Metro rail tunnels of Los Angeles as the gang tries to escape with their booty in MINIs.
This breezy B-movie is diverting and fun as you watch the gang overcome all the obstacles placed in their path. It's an easily digestible outing.
Bob Bloom is the film critic at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, IN. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or at [email protected]. Other reviews by Bloom can be found at www.jconline.com by clicking on movies.
Bloom's reviews also appear on the Web at the Rottentomatoes Web site, www.rottentomatoes.com and at the Internet Movie Database:
http://www.imdb.com/M/reviews_by?Bob+Bloom
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