Film of the Week - The Italian Job (2003)

It’s strange seeing a remake of a film being as old as this one is. Coming out in 2003, it’s 17 years old. Judging by how Hollywood loves their remakes, I’m surprised they haven’t remade it once more already, but instead, they’re sticking with this one; not that I have a problem with that, because frankly, I’d prefer if they never made it within the confines of the context of being the remake of the legendary film, The Italian Job. I’d prefer it if they simply made it a heist film, because it works more like that than it does being anything like the first film. 

Sure, the first film is an heist film, but it’s The Italian Job. This remake does pay homage to the previous by including minis, and, the characters do go to Italy as that is where the film begins and they do perform a decent heist there, but then it takes a massive leap to America where Italy is never mentioned again, and the main character, played by Mark Wahlberg is called Charlie Croker. Whilst he’s a different character entirely to Michael Caine’s character, he’s also called Charlie Croker. Three references to the previous film; other than that, it’s just a heist film called the same as the previous film.

How can they call it the Italian Job when the main heist of the film is set in America? If they had called it The American Job and drove away in Minis with a passing reference from the main character stating he had influence from a heist in Italy, that would give the American setting more context.

I wouldn’t mind it if this film alluded to being a spiritual sequel and not an outright remake, because as an heist film, it’s pretty good. It makes sense as a heist film - the storyline fits nicely together, the character, each have their motives for pulling off the heist to the best of their abilities, and each character has their own skill-set to make themselves feel included in the main film and not just off to one side and all the actors playing those characters don’t put a foot wrong - they’re perfect for their roles. All in all, credit where credit’s due, as a heist film, it’s enjoyable and I wouldn’t mind seeing it again. As a remake to the Italian Job, however, that’s where it disappoints.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)