Nothing wrong with fun

Rating: 8/10 (31 May 2003)

Sometimes you go to the movies for a serious experience; sometimes you go just for fun.
Tonight we had fun seeing "The Italian Job."
I have no idea how it compares to the 1969 original, but this one has suspense, intrigue, humor, action and just enough technology to make it cutting edge.
From the opening credits -- an interesting montage sequence with riveting sound and music -- to several fantastic chase scenes, F. Gary Gray shows his versatility as a filmmaker. (I've not seen "A Man Apart," but now I will.)
Without giving anything away, the chase scenes are really exciting. If you liked the chase in "The Bourne Identity," you'll like these. I just hope Jason Statham -- "The Transporter" -- doesn't get typecast as a getaway driver!
I scored it an 8 on IMDb, sandwiched between the too-serious "Heist" (7) and the brilliant "Ocean's Eleven" (9).
And Charlize Theron is her usual mesmerizing self.