The Italian Job
User Score
7.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 87
  3. Negative: 10 out of 87

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  1. DennisP.
    Mar 6, 2004
    5
    OK for a couple of hours of mindless fun, but the bad acting from this second rate cast gets annoying quite quickly. Too much smirking at each other while facing grave danger. The normally reliable Edward Norton is wasted as a lame villian and Donald Sutherland does himself a favour and books out early. Good action sequences get the Italian Job a 5 out of 10.
  2. Pandarve
    Feb 20, 2013
    6
    Entertaining movie about safe cracking and pulling off daring heists. However, it becomes hard to suspend disbelief as the characters seem to have an answer for everything. Rather than depicting actual (or semi-plausible) solutions, everything seems to work as if though magic was involved. The explanations given are non-sensical most of the time and even to someone without any knowledge on the given fields they will sound like pure Hollywood nonsense. This is a sure sign of lazy writing which is too bad because if the film had taken the whole sbuject of safe cracking a little more seriously it would have probably scored a little higher overall. The protagonist's hench man also seemed a bit too happy to do whatever they were told, they should have given these characters more of a free will. I deemed these points rather annoying but the solid acting and constant action made me want to sit it out. The thing I remember most about watching this movie was its horrible techno soundtrack which just screamed for attention during scenes that really weren't as exciting as the soundtrack would make you believe.… Expand
  3. savannahrummel
    Jan 7, 2012
    7
    Intelligent action, nothing too absurd, and great acting. Theron and Wahlberg have chemistry, and all the other characters work well together. Overall, a very satisfying movie.
  4. Axle
    Jul 22, 2003
    3
    Don't waste your money or time on this one. Rent the original with Michael Caine. The 1969 film doesn't waste the cast, story or budget as this one does. I loved the original, what a let down the remake is....
  5. GarrettB.
    Sep 5, 2003
    2
    Wow. I don't believe there could have been a more horrific acting performance. Two points for the pretty lady.
  6. LassiterP.
    Jun 23, 2003
    4
    [***Spoiler***] The best actor in the entire ensemble cast was whacked in the first fifteen minutes (Donald Sutherland) making for the premise of the movie. It would have been a lot better if they had killed Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron as their pairing had no chemistry at all. Ed Norton is capable of so much better. Very disappointing.
  7. MattC.
    Apr 20, 2004
    10
    Cool.
  8. MattC.
    Apr 20, 2004
    10
    Cool.
  9. BillJ.
    Oct 12, 2003
    7
    I enjoyed this stylish, big fun comedy. It brought back memories of the old days of innocent movies where everything worked out in the end. It was refreshing not to have anyone get shot and nothing blown up! I love Renee Zellweger and she can also sing a pretty good tune.
  10. RonP.
    Oct 9, 2003
    3
    I cannot believe that no one has recognized this movie for what it actually is, an expanded new product intro video for the Mini Cooper done in the same style as all those shorts that BMW (which owns Mini Cooper) has been using to promote their other cars in recent years. The fact that it was based on a previous film helped lend it some artistic credibility, but it is in fact nothing more than a 104 minute commercial.… Expand
  11. TojoU.
    Jun 17, 2003
    10
    The Italian Job had a lot of action and a great chase scene. It was a great movie all together.
  12. Fantasy
    Jun 20, 2003
    5
    Okay, but nothing great that we haven't seen before. No explanation as to why Steve (Ed Norton) did what he did or why his character wasn't researched before including him in the caper? No explanation why ruthless killers like the Ukranian's didn't just take the gold for themselves. Otherwise, cookie cutter type movie with likeable characters with a predictable conclusion. Just okay.… Expand
  13. WAKOJAKO
    Jun 3, 2003
    7
    This film is a tight little caper that fits in right along with Ocean's 11, though a bit underwritten, and in the end you remember the action sequences while the rest becomes quite easily forgettable. Still, some good bang for your buck.
  14. AndrewM.
    Apr 4, 2004
    9
    Reading through the comments for this film, I wonder just what some people want to get from films they watch. For me, it's entertainment every time. And this remake of The Italian Job delivers big time! I loved it. Whether or not you have seen the original, get it out, kick back, forget everything, and have a blast! If you don't then you're mighty hard to please. (Ohh, and Bill J, I think you're confused...)… Expand
  15. VikramM.
    Aug 1, 2004
    10
    Great movie. Funny, smart, nice, and action packed. The acting was good, storyline good. It was good, nice movie, I laughed, and I was into it. Good movie.
  16. Myles#13
    Sep 6, 2006
    9
    Fantastic movie... every actor/actress fit the mould perfectly. Plot was neat, chase scenes and special effects were sweet, lines were witty... The Italian Job is a really entertaining movie! After multiple plays, I am still not bored of it. MUST SEE!
  17. YoonMinC.
    Oct 10, 2003
    6
    A heist movie should have the complexity of chess, elegance of jazz, the contours of stylish woman. Italian Job is, instead, loud and brash, pure rock n roll crime thriller too in-your-face for genuine surprises. Worse, it's an unrelenting stream of crass consumerist fantasies; it's less a movie with product endosements than vice versa. Still, the main protagonists--cast as to appeal to maximum numbers of young moviegoers across racial/sexual lines--seem to be having a great time. Wahlberg and Theron are especially charming. However, the two great actors fare less well; Sutherland disappears much too soon, and Norton sleepwalks thru his meager role. The plot is barely serviceable but if you want to see a reasonably clever party movie with car chases, explosions, and a cool babe cracking open safes, you could do worse. … Expand
  18. HalW.
    Nov 22, 2003
    5
    A bit slow at times, not as good as the original.
  19. raVen
    Oct 15, 2003
    6
    (5.5) As with Burns and Hoffman in "Confidence," you have a shiny face with sub-par acting talents as the lead, and an infinitely more talented and interesting actor as the bad guy. Such is my respect for Norton, that for the duration of the movie, I was actually rooting for his character to smack one to Wahlberg, even though he was so very, very bad. Since many bright colors were flashing quickly in front of my eyes, on and off, for a couple hours, I was kept entertained. But a second time? Not on your life.… Expand
  20. NickS.
    May 25, 2003
    8
    I gave this film a higher rating because it was a completely enjoyable experience. After seeing the trailer which gives away most of the film, I didn't expect anything positive at all. Perhaps my lowered expectations contributed to my enjoyment. There was some great comedy as well as action scenes. All the supporting actors did amazing jobs. Ed Norton probably gave the weakest performance. And Mark Wahlberg was his same catatonic self. But Mos Def and Jason Statham cracked me up! Even Seth Green, who usually annoys the hell out of me, did a great job. The script was pretty tight and flowed really well. I was very entertained from beginning to end and highly recommend this film to anyone who just wants to sit back in a theatre and have some old-fashioned fun!… Expand
  21. TomS.
    May 30, 2003
    9
    This movie rules! Charlize Theron is so hot!! ...and the mini car chase rules! Awsome!!
  22. Kent
    Jun 10, 2003
    5
    My expectations weren't too high for this movie when I went to see it and I'm glad it wasn't. I'm a big fan of the re-make of Oceans 11 and this movie does not compare to it. Good film, but nothing special. I'd say it's a rental at best.
  23. JackD.
    Jun 1, 2003
    7
    A good old-fashioned caper movie. The chase scenes are terrific. There is one "Sutherland" in this movie...if only we could have had the other one in place of Markie Mark....
  24. PhillipK.
    Jun 1, 2003
    7
    Better than you'd expect. Not just another crime caper film, it actually has some interesting and sympathetic characters that you'll find yourself caring about. Good laughs throughout, and genuine suspense, not so much in the action pieces but in simple moments like during a dinner date... Everyone talks about the Mini Coopers that get a lot of screen time here but I wasn't exactly blown away by the chase sequences...(Not after seeing the Matrix Reloaded!) Far more intriguing are the elaborate and high-tech means each "side" uses to outsmart the other. A good romp! HOWEVER, I must say this - Mark Wahlberg should find another career. He brings NOTHING to the table, he is a black hole that has the potential to suck the life out of every scene he's in. Thankfully for this film, the other actors, the script, the pacing, etc., survive working around this corpse of an actor. It was a good enough film not to be ruined by his blankness. Every assignment he gets is a horrendous miscast. After "Planet of the Apes", "The Truth About Charlie", and now this, I am convinced that he can play no one but himself, and even that's a big yawn. Go away, Mark. … Expand
  25. MetalInc
    Jun 12, 2003
    8
    Very decent film...I wasn't expecting much with this but I was excited when it was over. Well thought out crime caper movie that would almost be a realistic high tech robbery.
  26. Phatman
    Jun 13, 2003
    10
    I got the feeling this movie was influenced by Snatch. The music and the style was similar. That's why this movie kicks ass. Not as good as Oceans 11 though.
  27. JohnA.
    Jun 15, 2003
    4
    I think it really says a lot that a movie this boring and predictable can get an overall 68 rating from the "critics" in this country. How much more dumbed down are we going to allow Hollywood to get before we stop wasting our $8 to $10? Theron is simply eye candy. What a no-talent waste of space. Her and Marky Mark have ZERO chemistry. I guess Ed Norton has to pay the bills, but this film is certainly beneath someone of his abilities. Don't waste your hard earned money on this crapper.… Expand
  28. DerekW.
    Jun 23, 2003
    7
    I preferred the original then this remake. I thought that the original had so much more than the updated version. With that said, it is nice too see an old movie remade with a 21st century twist on it. I really recommend seeing the original of any remake, sometimes they are just as good, if not better (eg. original Time Machine, Gone in 60 Seconds, etc.).
  29. TomK.
    Jun 7, 2003
    8
    Good summer fun.
  30. Spriggangirl
    Jul 10, 2003
    0
    Is it just me,or is everyone tired of watching too many mafia movies at the same time?If you guys think that the italian job is an incredible hit, then get bent!
  31. Gerald
    Jul 2, 2003
    7
    It was a pretty good movie. boring at first but the action/chase scenes really live it up.
  32. DanO.
    Jan 30, 2004
    8
    You know, I think people are taking this movie way too seriously. It's fun ... and quite frankly I don't think the acting is that bad. I thought the chemistry between the characters was quite good and enjoyed the back-and-forth banter. The thing I disliked most about this movie was the preview. It gave away ALL of the plot points and I almost didn't go because I thought the movie would be ruined for me. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the movie considering I knew where it was heading all the time. I guess that's a statement on what the movie did between those points. I actually found most of the story rather interesting as they planned and committed their crimes (even if the preview had given away some of the secrets). As for it being a Mini commercial, yah and your point is? It is a hollywood movie after all. I guess you give every Bond movie a 2 because each one showcased the latest cool car (Austin Martin, BMW, etc). If the movie was only about the cars (can you say Too Fast and Furious) then I would be giving it a two, but there is way more to this movie than the Minis.… Expand
  33. CaptainCraig
    Feb 20, 2005
    7
    Maybe not a continder for an Oscar, but entertaining nevertheless.
  34. [Anonymous]
    Jul 9, 2005
    8
    Not much of a story, but great fun (especially the Mini chase scene). Also makes you htink harder about that rich neighb or next doors: how did they really get their money?
  35. RodS.
    Nov 6, 2003
    7
    The movie never takes itself too seriously. Just a lot of fun.
  36. PatrickH.
    Dec 21, 2003
    8
    Pretty cool!!!
  37. JustinM.
    Jun 11, 2003
    7
    A fairly good heist flick full of great one-liners, theives with killer aliases and a lot of laughs. Very enjoyable to watch. If I had to compare, I'd rate this movie higher than say... The Score, but lower than Ocean's 11 and Gone in 60 Seconds.
  38. ChadS.
    Jun 11, 2003
    8
    You get cynical. You assume all Hollywood action films are going to suck. But not "The Italian Job". It's smartly written and well-acted. I like how Stella (Theron) is just one of the guys. There's no romance with Wahlberg to kill the narrative. Theron is obviously beautiful, but she blunts her sexuality while visiting the male camraderie zone. No muss, no fuss; just get the gold back from Steve(Norton). Our eyes don't glaze over with boredom during the final action sequence because Charlie's cohorts feel more human than cardboard. There's something at stake. We're on their side. "The Italian Job" is a lot of fun, and that's a surprise. I remember "Bad Company" and "Enough". … Expand
  39. MarcK.
    Jun 21, 2003
    8
    As I write this (6/21/03), this has been a dismal summer for quality films. So "The Italian Job" was a pleasant surprise. Very fun and entertaining. Great supporting performances by Charlize Theron, Jason Statham (glad he's decided to make a film with someone else besides Guy Ritchie) and Mos Def (although his name's a bit ridiculous). Sadly, Mark Wahlberg is a bit of a disappointment. He does a yeoman's job, but is in over his head. … Collapse
  40. SamLubicz
    Jul 11, 2003
    0
    What a load of junk. This was just pure garbage.
  41. JaneS.
    Nov 13, 2003
    8
    I disagree with fantasy. the movie was full of action and kept me intrigued till the end. i think wahlberg and the rest of the cast did a great job. it was not just full of action it hit a comedic angle as well.
  42. adoru
    Nov 1, 2010
    5
    Fun movie, but rather dumb. They make so many poor choices leading up to the heist that the suspension of disbelief is non-existent. Unlike the Ocean's crew, these guys not only do things in the most un-slick, non subtle way possible, but they leave gaping holes in the plan and just make bad choices. Like having the gang leader's daughter spy on the antagonist as a cable repairwoman. Really? You don't think he might have seen her before, working with him all those years?

    If you can set aside all the logic problems, it's a fun movie with a great pulse. Edward Norton is always awesome, even as a sniveling bad guy. But intelligent this movie is not.    … Expand
  43. matroycem
    Apr 30, 2013
    6
    To me this is not a remake. To be fair I really wish they had not put Italian Job in the Title. In the UK its call 'The Italian Job: LA Heist' and from this I wish it was just called 'LA Heist'. The story is not all that bad. Its fairly generic but engaging. Most of the parts in the film are played well and I did think the cast was good. The only real reason that this is The Italian Job is through the choice of cars (New BMW MINIS). The plot moves at a decent pace and has plenty of set pieces, action moments along with some emotions (these feel a little obvious and fairly predictable) but its not a bad way to spend an hour and a half.
    The ending is a little cheap for me but its not the worst you will ever see.
    Rent rather than buy.    … Expand
  44. wololooo
    Mar 27, 2012
    7
    The Italian Job turned out to be better than I expected. Looking through the cast I was worried that the director was relying on the ensemble of heavyweight actors to carry the film, but dialogue and story-wise, The Italian Job wasn't bad at all. There's a lot of unnecessary filler scenes in the middle third, and the director/editor could have easily cut out a good ten-fifteen minutes. As pointed out by a few users, Edward Norton is fairly disappointing as the film's villain among villains, and I would've preferred to see him cast as the lead man. That being said, Mark Wahlberg does a surprisingly good job, not overplaying the role. The supporting cast, particularly Mos Def and Jason Statham, lend some comic relief and and give an all-round solid performance. There's a heap of implausible moments in The Italian Job, so much so that I was scoffing at times at the ludicrousness of it all, but it's to be expected from a high-adrenaline action film.… Expand
  45. Spielberg00
    Nov 14, 2011
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bottom Line: Not that it should be passed on, but Oceanâ… Expand
  46. sinadoom
    Jun 2, 2012
    6
    Perfect length, good choice of actors and best of all, the story is told almost flawlessly. Every minute of the film has been put to good use, so there are no fillers and it's all straight in there. It's "smart but simple" with some humour and good action scenes. I don't think it's a great film though. It's too gimmicky and lacking focus or the wow factor, but it's a good action film that won't dissapoint.… Expand
  47. hophead
    Dec 27, 2011
    10
    great movie very well done it seems they really took a lot of time putting this movie together.great cast Mark Wahlberg is a great actor.The scene where they created a traffic jam was great. really liked this movie lots of good action very entertaining.Would watch it with a good beer.
  48. pkgadersons
    Jul 3, 2012
    10
    Excellent cast .
  49. cameronmorewood
    Nov 19, 2012
    8
    It's a first-rate action thriller.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 37
  3. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    80
    An elaborate techno-heist thriller, The Italian Job features some spectacular chase scenes, but for a change, the people doing the chasing are also worth watching.
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  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Stephen Holden
    70
    Feels a like smooth, exciting whoosh down a ski slope.
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  3. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Stephanie Zacharek
    90
    The chase scenes in The Italian Job are the most exciting ones I can remember seeing in a movie in a long time, probably because they're the only ones I can remember -- and that's saying something.
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