A brit perspective

Rating: 9/10 (17 September 2003)

People have been waiting to criticize this film since it was first announced. Everyone ready to pounce at the opportunity to say how it is `no-where near as good as the original,' and that `the original was a classic and shouldn't be remade!' (although when you look at the original now, it isn't really a classic! Yes, there is THAT mini scene, and the `bloody doors' quote, but aside from that it was a slow film. Good, but not classic.)
Anyway, here is the chance for all you naysayers to pounce, and then find that you are really disappointed..'cos Italian Job is a pretty good film. Heck, I'd even go so far as to say it is a damned enjoyable film!
The film doesn't remake the first film, and a recent interview with the director revealed that the intention was never to remake, but to homage. Indeed it does pay homage. A bullion heist in Venice is successful, until one of the gang of thieves betrays the rest and leaves them for dead. Months later, they all seek to steal the gold back, and get their revenge.
One of the things that makes this film so much fun (aside from the mini scenes, which I won't go into detail about, suffice to say they are 'cool') is the caliber of actors on display, and the likeability of the 'good guys' (if indeed a thief can be a good guy). Much in the same way Oceans 11 seemed perfect in the casting, so does this. Mark Wahlberg is the smooth mastermind behind the scams, and with Ed Norton as the bad guy, adding Seth Green, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, and Donald Sutherland into the mix is pure genius. The personalities bounce off each other well, creating a group of players that you do care about. Norton is as good as ever, but seems to be just playing by numbers. He has been vocal about how he didn't really want to do this film, and now I understand why. He is an actor who likes to take on different roles..this was just a repeat of his performance in the Score. Nontheless, still a good actor.
Direction is pacey, and the story keeps moving throughout, with the initial heist being a work of genius, to the introduction of the players (with amusing flashbacks), then the set up for the new heist. Witty dialogue is scattered throughout, giving that extra character to each of the stars.
So, feel free to criticize this film, and compare it to the first..but make sure you watch it first before you make an ass of yourself!