The Italian Job

A cool film with a slightly leaky script but an absolutely great ensemble cast. Statham once again flawlessly nails the "courier" role, Wahlberg has been proving he can act since Boogie Nights and his boyish charisma works here, Norton is irresistibly sleazy when wrapping Charlize, and Charlize Theron is divine. The whole bunch of grifters is so likeable that you can forgive the film for its fluctuating pace. And if I add to that a blasting soundtrack, which features Photek, one of the members of the Roni Size band, I get four stars. To make it a five, Gray would have to be as great a director as Soderbergh, whose Ocean’s Eleven came to mind during this film, and he is not that good. However, if I had to compare, I liked this modern remake better than the 1969 British original! PS: I have a feeling I'm going to make a slight adjustment in my Top 5 actresses in the case of Charlize. Ever since watching The Cider House Rules, I've been slowly but inevitably getting around to it :) (08/12/2003)

This remake (Remake? It has only the name of the protagonist, gold and Mini Coopers in common with the original film) succeeded. It's a film full of likable characters, a fast and funny action spectacle with good music and cool (though not innovative, admittedly) staged scenes of robberies and preparations for them. Wahlberg, Statham, Theron, Def... They're all likeable. I've never liked Norton, so I quite enjoy him as the villain here. So I'm it giving three and a bit. About the scene with the Mini Cooper - the original is better, much more imaginative and somehow even funnier. But there's nothing you can do about it - there's only one original. (10/04/2010)

It's not that revolutionary, it's quite a normal heist movie that also plays with the element of revenge, which was also demonstrated by "Ocean's Eleven", but thanks to the cast and characters with whom you can relate or dislike, it's actually a pretty enjoyable ride. I quite like that Statham is only a supporting character here. Would it be the same today? (02/04/2014)

The star-studded cast and skillful, though not dazzling, direction elevate the film, but unfortunately, the screenplay, which fails to address many things and hastily resolves some, brings the film down... For me, it's just an average spectacle for one-time viewing. Action is not a draw for me in films, with a few exceptions, and I rarely switch off my brain, so despite the likable characters and a few successful jokes, my overall impression is only 55%. (15/02/2010)

A slightly above average easygoing movie with a solid atmosphere and a quality cast. And even though it is a fact that it lacks the charm of Ocean’s Eleven and lacks the necessary ingredients, it still provides very solid entertainment for a rainy Saturday afternoon. (05/06/2004)