There has been an abundance of heist movies in recent years, with many of them delivering what they promise-a solid, entertaining, yet ultimately forgettable ride. The recent remake of the 1969 Brit classic The Italian Job is no different in this respect largely because of the great settings and likable cast.
The film is set in Venice, where a group of thieves led by Charlie (Mark Wahlberg) are in the process of stealing $35 million worth of gold. Without giving too much away, it can be said that the heist is a success until one of the members betrays the others and takes all of the money for himself. From that point on, the film takes on many surprising twists and turns as the others scheme to steal the money back from him.
For the most part the cast is the key to the film’s success. Rapper Mos Def, funnyman Seth Green, and Charlize Theron as the lone female interest comprise the group led by Mark Wahlberg, and each bring humour and intelligence to their roles. Seth Green is a particular standout as the man who claims to be the true inventor of Napster but had his idea stolen by his college roommate while he was napping (hence the name). However Mark Wahlberg shows once again that he is not much of an actor and was perhaps better suited to his former career as an underwear model. His performance in this movie ranges from bad to merely okay. Maybe part of it is because he is miscast- he’s not really leading man material.
Wahlberg’s performance aside, The Italian Job hits the mark as a fast-paced thrill ride (or a high-priced ad for those nifty Mini Cooper cars, take your pick)-nothing more and nothing less. Chances are you probably won’t remember this movie in a couple of years, but with a movie like this just enjoying it while it lasts is all you can really ask for.
