The Italian Job

Action

Mark Wahlberg	Charlie Croker
Charlize Theron	Stella Bridger
Quinton Flynn	Charlie Croker
Edward Norton	Steve
Seth Green	Lyle
Jason Statham	Handsome Rob
Mos Def	Left Ear
Franky G.	Mechanic
Donald Sutherland	John Bridger
Pete Gawtti	Skinny
Olek Krupa	Mashkov

Director	F. Gary Gray
Writer	Troy Kennedy-Martin; Donna Powers

Though it bears little resemblance to the celebrated 1969 original starring Michael Caine, this 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 honour and dishonour 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), Charlise Theron is recruited to double-cross a double-crosser (Edward Norton in oily villain mode), and once again, speedily versatile Mini Coopers (this time, the modern BMW versions) 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