'The Italian Job' 2003-style

The Italian Job

Director: F. Gary Gray

Cast: Mark Whalberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Jason Statham, Donald Sutherland.

When director Gus Van Sant remade Hitchcock’s classic Psycho in 1998 he stayed faithful to the original, scene by painstaking scene. The result, a colour version of the black and white classic, was met with one of the worst responses any film can garner; pure unadulterated indifference. Have lessons been learned? Should film-makers think twice before paying such direct homage to an original? Seems not, hence The Italian Job 2003-style.

Although by no means a remake of this Michael Caine cockney caper, The latest Italian Job cleverly pilfers the well-worn title, promising fans more of the same. What they get, however, is a bang up to date remake with more of a nod to the original than a direct rip-off. Mark Whalberg plays Caine’s role as the pretty (sic) thief whose attempt to recover $35million worth of lost loot brings him into contact with a stunner of a safecracker - played by the suitably sultry Charlize Theron. And, as luck would have it (and this is where fans of the original will be salivating over their salted popcorn) she drives a mini!

Memorable chase scenes ensue albeit through the streets and underground system of LA rather than Turin. As before, the little car is the real star and of this old-fashioned robbery romp and the actors merely serve to keep the engine ticking over. A racy little number with sleek bodywork, flashy extras and clever lines; The Italian Job 2003-style is quite possibly the best advert for the mini since Twiggy was in her teens.

Star Rating: 3.5/5