I was bowled over by The Italian Job when the Mini Coopers zipped out in 2003, and rewatching it with my kids now, they loved it too, giving it a solid 7.5/10 for its lasting fun.
This heist thriller follows Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) and his crew, including Stella (Charlize Theron) and Lyle (Seth Green), pulling off a gold heist in Venice, only to be betrayed by Steve (Edward Norton). The story’s clever twists and high-energy pacing keep you hooked, though some plot points feel dated.
F. Gary Gray’s direction shines, with those iconic Mini Cooper chase scenes stealing the show… still thrilling today. The script, by Donna and Wayne Powers, crackles with humor and tension but leans on heist clichés. Wahlberg’s cool-headed lead and Theron’s fiery Stella spark, while Norton’s smarmy villain and Green’s nerdy tech add flair. Supporting roles like Mos Def’s explosive expert are fun but thin.
The vibrant L. A. and Venice backdrops, paired with John Powell’s lively score, elevate the vibe. The Italian Job remains a slick, crowd-pleasing caper that holds up, though tighter character depth could’ve pushed it higher.
Time for the next remake?
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