A worthy remake of the classic

Rating: 6/10 (21 May 2019)

I am a big fan of the 1969 original classic, The Italian Job so I originally watched this remake with some scepticism that it would reach such highs.
Many of the plot elements that made the original such a classic are here but some are missing! The small Mini car in the guise of the newer version is here and the film showcases some excellent driving stuntwork routines.
The film differs from the original in that the 'Italian Job' is at the start of the film and is located in the city of Venice rather than Turin.
One of the robbers, Steve (Edward Norton) betrays his fellow gang members and steals millions of dollars worth of gold bullion murdering gang chief Donald Bridger (Donald Sutherland) in the process.
The rest of the film is based in Los Angeles and shows the efforts of the rest of the gang to get the gold back, avenge Mr. Bridger and kill Steve in the process!
The film has a decent cast including action movie stalwart Jason Statham, Mark Wahlberg as Charlie Croker and Charlize Theron as Donald Bridger's daughter, Stella. The film also borrows from the original in that a big city's computer controlled traffic system is hacked although computer technology has evolved since 1969!
Not quite as 'British' as the original. Jason Statham is the only Brit in the cast I believe and he is hardly Michael Caine class.
The bodywork on those poor Minis after going through their driving stunt paces!