The Italian Job Review
by Mike Brown (mike_brown AT sympatico DOT ca)June 11th, 2003
The Italian Job *** out of 4
By Mike Brown
There has been an abundance of heist movies in recent years with many of them delivering what they promise, a solid, entertaining yet ultimately forgettable ride. "The Italian Job" is no different in this respect largely because of the great set pieces and likable cast.
The movie opens in Venice where a group of thieves led by Charlie (Mark Wahlberg) are in the process of stealing $35 million worth of gold. This first set piece is very cleverly done and I won't spoil it for you by giving you the details however I can say that the heist is a success. That is until one of the members betrays the others and takes all of the money for himself. From thereon the film becomes a surprisingly detailed, step-by-step process centering on stealing the money back from him as the mandatory twists and turns spring up along the way.
For the most part the cast is the key to the film's success. Mos Def, Seth Green, Jason Statham and Charlize Theron comprise of the group led by Mark Wahlberg and each bring a certain degree of humour and intelligence to their roles. Seth Green is a particular standout as the man who claims to be the true inventor of Napster only to have his idea stolen by his college roommate while he was napping (hence the name). Edward Norton also shows why he really does seem capable of playing any role. However Mark Wahlberg shows once again that he is not much of an actor. His performance in this movie ranges from bad to merely okay. Maybe part of it is because he is miscast in my opinion but more likely it is because he is not leading man material.
Wahlberg's performance aside, the film hits the mark of being a fast-paced thrill ride, nothing more and nothing less. That said, chances are you probably won't remember this movie in a couple of years but with a movie like this just enjoying it while it lasts is all it asks for.
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