Daddy's Love is Gold
The Italian Job
Review by Ross Anthony

What a great cast -- right? Mark Whalberg, Ed Norton, Charlize, even Jason Statham ("The Transporter") -- I'd go see a film that starred any one of them, but all four -- how could I pass it up? And they're all fine here. Fine, but not spectacular, as the film itself.

This caper flick opens with some good old-fashioned cleverly planned gunless robbery in Italy. The infamous "last heist" progresses nicely, but something eventually goes awry making that gig the second-to-last heist. Just after 10 or The Italian Job15 minutes the film changes gears and genres, pivoting on some very slippery bearings (the motivation for the second heist seems highly unmotivating). Nevertheless, once the new genre kicks in (now, not just slick, but also quirky, and comedic), somehow motivation isn't that important and the funness of the film takes over.

Clever, in a rather implausible sort of way, this unevenly constructed picture is still entertaining, never boring, and a light night at the show.

Says Director Gray, "This updated version of 'The Italian Job' pays homage to the first film, but in no way tries to replicate it... I like a lot of things about the original. It had great style and unforgettable performances. But the film that we've made is for modern audiences, with updated technology."

Btw, Jason Statham is a former Olympic diver (not driver); he represented the UK in the 1980's and early 1990's.



  • The Italian Job. Copyright © 2003.
  • Starring Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Seth Green, Jason Statham, Mos Def, Franky G, Donald Sutherland.
  • Directed by F. Gary Gray.
  • Screenplay by Donna Powers & Wayne Powers.
  • Produced by Donald De Line at Paramount.



Grade..........................B+



Copyright © 2001. Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit: RossAnthony.com


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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:08:02 PDT