Though it bears little resemblance to the original 1969 thriller starring Michael Caine, the 2003 remake of The Italian Job stands on its own as a caper comedy that's well above average. The title's a misnomer--this time it's actually a Los Angeles job--but the action's just as exciting as it propels a breezy tale of honor and dishonor among competing thieves. Inheriting Caine's role as ace heist-planner Charlie Croker, Mark Wahlberg plays straight-man to a well-cast team of accomplices, including Mos Def, Jason Statham, and scene-stealer Seth Green in a variation of the role originally played by Noel Coward. As the daughter of Croker's ill-fated mentor (Donald Sutherland), Charlize Theron is recruited to double-cross a double-crosser (Edward Norton in oily villain mode), and once again, speedily versatile Mini Coopers play a pivotal role in director F. Gary Gray's exhilarating car-chase climax. It's perhaps the greatest product placement in movie history, and just as fun the second time around. --Jeff Shannon
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Movie is great... Blu-Ray is terrible Comment: We have a top of the line Sony 52" XBR TV and Sony Blu-Ray player we purchased for Christmas and I purchased the Blu-ray version of this movie because we enjoy the movie so much. It wasn't worth it! It has trouble rewriting quickly during the action scenes. We actually compared it to the regular DVD that we own and to be honest... it isn't worth the additional expense to purchase the Blu-ray. Overall, we have noticed that with all of the older movies that have been converted to Blu-ray... they tend to be a disappointment in the blu-ray version for the same rewriting problems. However, animations are incredible and all of the new movies that have recently been released in the theaters that are just coming out on Blu-Ray are great... like Ironman... that one was incredible on Blu-ray. Customer Rating: Summary: Good Actors Great action and good plot Comment: This was a pretty good movie. So much so that I will buy it again in Blue Ray. Just seeing Charlize, with Mark Walburg, Norton and Sutherland in one movie should say it all but also having Jason Statham was a great bonus. Very good story plot and surprise ending was great. Customer Rating: Summary: Great Movie, Not a Great Blu-Ray Comment: The Blu-Ray version of this movie is disappointing, while the movie itself is incredible. The story, acting, etc. are all very good, and keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. However, having just recently picked up the Blu-Ray release, I would advise to stay clear until it is re-released.
At many points in the movie, there is a lot of visible grain, a result of over-sharpening of the picture in the transfer. Furthermore, the audio quality is only lossy Dolby Digital, instead of the DTS promised on the exterior of the box. If you aren't a videophile or audiophile this disk may prove just fine, and an enjoyable Blu-Ray experience. However, if picture and audio quality are extremely important to you, I'd advise you to wait until a re-release. Customer Rating: Summary: The Italian Job Comment: I saw part of the movie on televison and did not know when I would be able to see the ending. Good movie. Customer Rating: Summary: 2.5 stars out of 4 Comment: The Bottom Line:
Wooden performances by the protagonist Wahlberg and antagonist Norton (who by his own admission had no interest in doing the film) overcome a sometimes clever updating of 1969's The Italian Job; it's a fun enough watch but not a memorable film.
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![The Italian Job (2003) [HD DVD] :: Martial Arts Movies and Kung Fu Videos Database :: Grandmaster Video](http://www.grandmastervideo.com//images/top2a.gif "The Italian Job (2003) [HD DVD] :: Martial Arts Movies and Kung Fu Videos Database :: Grandmaster Video"){kind=small}
![The Italian Job (2003) [HD DVD] :: Martial Arts Movies and Kung Fu Videos Database :: Grandmaster Video](http://www.grandmastervideo.com//images/top3a.gif "The Italian Job (2003) [HD DVD] :: Martial Arts Movies and Kung Fu Videos Database :: Grandmaster Video")
![The Italian Job (2003) [HD DVD] :: Martial Arts Movies and Kung Fu Videos Database :: Grandmaster Video](http://www.grandmastervideo.com//images/top1b.gif "The Italian Job (2003) [HD DVD] :: Martial Arts Movies and Kung Fu Videos Database :: Grandmaster Video"){kind=small}
