The Italian Job

  Plot Summary

A gang of professional thieves carry out a daring robbery, of gold bars, in Venice, Italy. The theft had been meticulously planned by Charlie (Mark Wahlberg). Everything goes like clockwork and as the gang make off with the haul, each member is already thinking of ways to spend their share. One of the gang however has been making a few plans of his own and has no intention of sharing! He kills one of the others and takes the gold for himself. Charlie and the others return to America empty handed. Sometime later the gold bars surface in Los Angeles and the gang meet up to track down the gold and revenge the killing of their friend...

Review

This action thriller is pure escapism. It is silly in parts but it's still great entertainment with plenty of action and humour. There are some great chase sequences; firstly on the canals of Venice and then on the streets of L.A. It's a case of switching off the brain and enjoying the show! 

The story moves along at a good pace and even when things slow down a little between the action there is enough intrigue to hold the attention. A good part of the movie concentrates on the planning of the robberies and in this respect it is not unlike Ocean's Eleven, although there is more over-the-top action in The Italian Job.

Like in the original movie with Michael Caine the Mini cars play a part. On the gridlocked roads of L.A. the gang opt for the Mini to make their escape. This movie will do wonders for the sale figures of this popular compact city car!

There is a strong cast in the movie; Mark Wahlberg plays the main character, Charlie.  Charlize Theron supplies the female interest when she is recruited by Charlie for her safe-breaking skills. I would like to have seen a little more of Edward Norton, he plays the greedy gang member who wanted all the gold for himself. There is also good support from Seth Green and Jason Statham. Donald Sutherland has a short role at the start of the movie.

Lasting thought: What does a man with 35 million dollars do at night?  Watches television!

Bottom Line: Fun, entertaining action thriller.

Reviewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2003

Genre: Action/Thriller

Certificate: 12's

Director: F. Gary Gray

~ Main Cast ~

Mark Wahlberg

Charlize Theron

Edward Norton

Seth Green

Jason Statham

Mos Def

Franky G.

Donald Sutherland

RATING

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