Good remake

Rating: Null/10 (6 July 2003)

The Italian Job is a remake of a 1969 film of the same name that starred Michael Caine and Noel Coward. The cast isn't as upmarket for the re-make  we have to make do with Mark Wahlberg and Jason Statham  but they do seem to be having a good time. Palindromically named director Gary Gray keeps the pace in high gear, staging an elaborate (and unlikely) robbery, a nasty double-cross and a sweet revenge story. Couple those elements with a wild Austin Mini (yes, I said Austin Mini) chase through the streets and subways of Los Angeles and you have the makings of a good lightweight summer heist film.