rating:
(out of
4 stars)United States, France, United Kingdom; 2003
Directed by F. Gary Gray; produced by Donald De Line; screenplay by Donna Powers, Wayne Powers
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Donald Sutherland, Jason Statham, Seth Green, Mos Def, Edward Norton
Below you will find a temporary review for this film. The real (better, more complete) review will be online very soon.
Stealing gold in a more spectacular way than in the original, new Mini
Coopers and a nice cast, unfortunately with average acting, is what this
2003 remake of 'The Italian Job' has to offer. None of the cast members have
the charm that Michael Caine had back in 1969, but this modern version has
great action scenes, some suspense and a heist, even two, as high points.
Mark Wahlberg is Charlie Croker here, the leader of the gang. Other members
are Handsome Rob (Jason Statham), Lyle (Seth Green) and Left Ear (Mos Def).
With the first heist in the movie there are two other members. John Bridger
(Donald Sutherland), Charlie's mentor, and Steve (Edward Norton). Steve
betrays the group, takes the gold they just stole, kills John and almost
kills the other members. He thinks he has killed them. That is why Stella
Bridger (Charlize Theron), who is great with opening a safe, joins the team
to steal the gold back. Only revenge is what counts for her.
If you have seen the original you realize the plot is a lot different. The
gold, Charlie and his team, the Mini Coopers and manipulating traffic lights
are the things we recognize. Other elements are completely new and in my
opinion that is not a bad thing. Norton as the villain does a pretty good
job and Theron as the girl, and probably love interest, is not a bad choice.
The ending of the original was perfect for that movie. That ending here
would not have been the right choice for the new movie and fortunately it is
different. Because the movie has made the heist an act of revenge, not
money, we really have good guys (the bad guys in real life) and bad guys
(the really bad guys in real life). Good guys simply have to win in
Hollywood.