X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / October 4, 2007
It’s this simple: If you liked “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), then you’ll like “The Italian Job.” And if you loved “Ocean’s,” then this movie is a must-see.
“The Italian Job” is one of those heist movies that has you cheering for the criminals. Alfred Hitchcock enjoyed making his audiences feel inner conflict by manipulating them to relate or sympathize with “the bad guy” or worse yet, “the killer.” This movie, like many others these days, has that same audacity.
“The Italian Job” begins with Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) leading a team of professional thieves in Italy. Their targeted loot equates to major bucks for each of their crewmembers; but unfortunately, there is no honor among thieves.
The balance of the movie involves the betrayed team members reassembling to regain what was rightfully not theirs; and, moreover, taking revenge on the movie’s Benedict Arnold.
As you can see, the plot closely resembles that of “Ocean’s Eleven.” It also has the clever, sneaky, high-tech schemes and humorous dialogue that makes “Ocean’s” so delightfully entertaining.
As far as editing goes, “The Italian Job” was initially rated PG-13 for violence and some language. The language has been edited and the violence is minimal. So, if you can live with rooting for a bunch of criminals, then don’t miss “The Italian Job.” It is excellent.
Directed by F. Gary Gray
Mark Wahlberg / Ed Norton / Donald Sutherland
111 min. Crime / Action
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: October 7, 2003
Copyright 2007.
JP0186 : 219
by Jason Pyles, In-house Movie Critic
1 comment:
"Sympathize with the bad guy"? Sounds like this documentary I heard about that has something to do with edited movies. Juuust kidding! Hey, man. Great site and great reviews. I just can't figure out how you think Italian Job is a "must see" while Good Night and Good Luck is just "mediocre." Guess I'll have to read the full reviews.
We have a blog about edited movies that is currently under construction, but I'd like to place a link on our blog to this blog if that's all right.
Also, as we are compiling all of the media reports surrounding edited movies, I'm curious if you have electronic copies of any of your College Times Flix Club articles (before I buckle down and transcribe them myself).
Let me know. Thanks!
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