Review: Ah, this is the kind of heist flick I like. An esnemble cast with a gorgeous backdrop (Venice) for the opening heist. Then a turnaround of fortunes (re:misfortunes) until a even bolder, more elaborate scheme with impeccable timing is needed to top the opening sequence. Throw in some revenge served cold and that is one solid piece of summer entertainment.

The Italian Job is all about entertaining those who paid the fee to see it and it does its job in spades.

It's not a think piece nor is it a how-to guide of the 'industry' it is about stealing gold, losing gold and stealing it back. There is a brief moment of sub-text involving a romance between Theron and Wahlberg but fortunately the movie never makes the mistake most 'on a time limit' films make having them hop right into bed. Instead, the duo have a nice little talk, before getting down to brass tacks which is getting that gold. And well it should be. That's what we all came to see.

The casting is solid. No one overshadows anyone and though this is technically Wahlberg's movie as the lead, everyone gets a chance to shine, even Sutherland who is only in the film for an all to brief ten or fifteen minutes. Ed Norton, who may or may not have wanted to do the film, gives his standard slick and professional performance, and looks a helluva lot like Sean Penn for most of the film.

Charlize Theron. I will not allow anyone to say ill of Charlize Theron, even though she was in Reindeer Games.

Seth Green is always a great comedic element to add to any film, from calling himself the Napster to dropping the motorcycle...laughs abound when that guy shows up on screen. Mos Def, Jason Statham, all contribute and never seem like a miscast individual, or waste of screen time. But like I said, everyone shows up for this movie with their game faces on.

As for those who will think this movie is merely an advertisement for the mini-coopers, well, it's probably not going to hurt the company, but if you go back to the original, you'll see the same little cars being employed in the car chase.

This film is all about letting go, and enjoying the ride, and it did its job in spades. I'm giving this a surprsingly strong 4 stars out of 5, mostly surprised because I never expect a remake to be entertaining...but still, check out the original. They made a fun version of it, but it still doesn't compare to Michael Caine's version.

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Copyright© Written By: Rob Paul
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The DVD Review:
Easter Egg Alert:
Head into the Special Features section and highlight the menu entry 'Pedal To The Metal.' Press left on your directional pad and you will have highlighted a mini cooper. Press enter and see a clip of Seth Green playing around in the scene where he creates 'dialogue' for Handsome Rob and the Cable Girl.