As a `re-interpretation' of the 1969 Michael Caine caper film, it stands up well with fast pace, fashion consciousness, and unique score.

Rating: Null/10 (29 May 2003)

`The Italian Job" is a stylish heist film beginning in Venice with exciting photography of St. Mark's and canal boat chases. As a `re-interpretation' of the 1969 Michael Caine caper film, it stands up well with fast pace, fashion consciousness, and unique score. Its modernization is primarily in technology: Computers can program all the stoplights in LA and graphically reproduce all the dimensions of a heist location.

Mark Wahlberg has taken Steve McQueen's place behind the "Bullitt" wheel in a cute-as-hell mini Cooper, racing under LA streets as McQueen did above-ground in San Francisco. McQueen is a better actor; in fact, Wahlberg has a smile as his only defining emotion, but still better than his tepid recent roles in `The Truth about Charlie' and `Planet of the Apes.' (`Rock Star' is an exception, possibly because of his music experience). Donald Sutherland's cameo as the grizzled veteran is worth the admission price, and director F. Gary Gray (`A Man Apart') shows he can pace a film with the best of them. Edward Norton would like you to forget his traitor turn, and I find that easy to do.

Adding to the updated success is location shooting in Venice, LA, and Philadelphia by Wally Pfister, whose `Memento' cinematography is memorable. John Powell's (`Bourne Identity') musical score is modern without being intrusive. Additionally, some supporting roles are strong in concept and performance: a computer nerd (Seth Green) claiming to be the original creator of `Napster,' a half deaf thief (too many M-80's at one time in a toilet bowl) called `Half' Ear (Mos Def), a tough crook called `Handsome Rob' (Jason Statham), and a lithe blonde (Charlize Theron) described as a "professional vault & safe technician."

The two major heists are carried with the watchful eye of an accountant and the spirit of `Ocean's 11.' I laughed heartily at the outrageous but believable mechanics of removing huge safes but then remembered the equal true grace under pressure in `Rififi.' I also reflected that this is just summer (`The Hulk' is still to come), and I relaxed with my brain at rest and my sensibility tuned into just enjoying slick films which don't need to impress critics with lofty themes and remorseful protagonists. Enjoy.