Edward Norton Movie:

Editorial Review:
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

The Italian Job (2003) [HD DVD] Reviews:
So bad it's good; or so good you forget that it's bad...
2009-12-01 - You know those films that you know are technically `bad' but that fill you with such giddy excitement you can't help but totally love them? This is one of those films for me. The plot is nothing short of ridiculous, completely unrealistic and none-to original, but I still can't help but totally adore this movie. It is fun and exciting and intense, regardless of the predictability of it all.

I haven't seen the original (staring the BRILLIANT Michael Caine) but I really should!

The film revolves around a group of professional thieves who join forces with the daughter of a respected partner who was murdered and robbed by someone they trusted. What follows is a slew of preposterous yet highly entertaining sequences of tricks, gadgets and slowly boiling sensual chemistry (Marky Mark and Charlize make a beautiful pair, don't you think?).

Wahlberg is a reliable leading man. He isn't doused with talent like some other actors his age, but he has a likable charm (that whole Brooklyn attitude sits well on him) and he knows how to work a scene. Charlize Theron has talent (thus the Oscar) but she doesn't really use it in fluff films like this. She doesn't elevate any of her scenes, but she is gorgeous, which is all this role really required of her. Edward Norton is the most talented actor here (well, one could debate between him and Sutherland, but la'Donald isn't in more than five minutes of this) and he shows it by oozing a sensual creepiness that makes his irresistible and completely commanding. That dinner confrontation scene alone is just jaw dropping intensity wrapped up in a dapper little package.

The rest of the cast does their job. Jason Statham is brooding and buff and a total lady killer; Seth Green is comic relief of the nerdy kind; Mos Def is quiet, charming and totally likable. They work very well.

The film is chuck-full of brilliantly paced chase scenes (those ugly little cars have never been so cool), beautifully choreographed action sequences (not to mention beautifully photographed landscapes) and clever tricks that gloss over the plot holes nicely. With enough going for it to outweigh to stuff working against it, `The Italian Job' is one of those `bad' movies I can totally stand behind.

It makes me smile.

I trust everyone it's the devil inside them I don't trust,
2009-10-19 - I love this movie! I did not find anything wrong with this movie at all I could watch it over and over again without getting bored thank god for making markie mark! I love left ear `'the real napster `' I love this movie! It's definitely a must watch movie!

Great Action Movie
2009-09-15 - This is a great action movie, even better than the original IMHO. I had seen this before on regular DVD but decided to purchase the HD-DVD version. It is a heist film - stealing gold from some double-crossing folks in the past, then a double cross by one of the robbers in the group. Getting the gold back is the highlight of the movie. The boat chase scene in Venice is great - did you know they had to get special permission to do it and I'd imagine the the folks in Venice will never let that happen again due to the amount of wake created during filming (ever seen a powerboat in the waterways of Venice? The wakes cause damage to the structures).

Great deal of action sequences, great sound - all made better in HD. If you want to see an excellent action film, with good vs. evil elements, and a great car chase - get this flick. You won't be disappointed.

This 'Italian Job" okay popcorn entertainment in HD
2009-08-11 - Much has been written about the below average HD transfer of this remake in HD DVD and Blu-ray but this doesn't ruin the movie for me since I've seen a lot worse transfers than this. Anyway if you're familiar with the Michael Caine original than you'll even enjoy this revisionist remake of the '70s film. Wahlberg makes a fine hero, Theron is nice to look at and Edward Norton is a lot of fun as the villain you'd love to hate. If you liked "Oceans 11" then you'll enjoy this. I've knocked one star for the video quality of this in HD but the price of this in HD DVD versus the Blu-ray is so obscenely low that it definitely ranks as a best buy. Like would you pay $5 or $6 for this disc in HD or close to $20 in Blu-ray--go figure. Anyway if you like Wahlberg also check out in HD DVD, "Four Brothers" and "Shooter" all at a bargain basement price in HD DVD!!

Love it
2009-07-31 - Mini is a great car!! And the movie was fantastic!! Mark, I love you :D