AGW Entertainment reporter Lynn B. saw a new action/caper film...

THE ITALIAN JOB

Paramount Pictures

The production tied up Hollywood Boulevard for a week! A chase, involving several cute little Mini Cooper cars (I want one!) ran all over L.A. and everyone blamed director Gary Gray for the traffic snarls. Edward Norton didn't really want to be in the movie but the studio made him (hey, he's good) and he sprained his ankle in an action scene. Despite tempers, etc., this re-make of a 1969 caper film that starred Michael Caine, is hauling those little minis into theaters.

The Italian Job opens in Venice (the only "Italian" part of the movie), where a group of six crooks are about to pull off the heist of a lifetime: $35 million in gold, and they plan to do it without holding a gun. The usual suspect heist partners are Charlie (Mark Wahlberg), who is heading his first big job; John (Donald Sutherland), the crusty veteran safecracker who is Charlie's mentor; Lyle (Seth Green), the computer whiz who was "the real inventor of Napster;" Handsome Rob (Jason Statham), who once drove across the United States just so he could set the record for the longest freeway chase; Half Ear (Mos Def), who, at age 10, blew up too many things so is half deaf and Steve (Edward Norton), who is about to betray the other five. Once they have the gold, Steve shows his true selfish colors. A year later, the group, now including John's daughter, Stella (Charlize Theron), a "professional vault & safe technician," tracks down Steve and plots to take away the gold he stole from them (or what's left of it).

The Italian Job is really fun. The studio gave us tiny little replicas of the Mini Coopers in the film that only make you wish you were like one hundredth of an inch tall so you could drive them! The heists are very creative (never seen anybody steal anything quite like these guys). There is a lot of zany action, (done without CGI for a change), laughs and suspense. Character relationships are developed a bit so you get to know the players quite well. Mark, Charlize and Edward Norton have a lot of chemistry that creates tension. I liked the way Charlize's character handled herself as the only girl in an all-guy cast.

As an ensemble comedy, this one worked better than most. The supporting cast is solid and quirky. Seth Green steals every scene he's in as the computer whiz of the group. If you were ever frustrated waiting for traffic to just move, already, Seth is your man!! Jason Statham rocks. I could see him in a "Fast and Furious" sequel. Mos Def is funny as Left-Ear, Franky G. is hot as the mechanic of the group and old pro Donald Sutherland was wonderful in his limited role and he has a few nice relationship scenes with Mark Wahlberg that make you feel warm and fuzzy about this old pro thief and his protégé.

If it's action you want then this one has racing boats, minis, helicopters, motorcycles, armored cars all hauling for all they're worth. The editing is smooth and the pace keeps you interested. Watch for a few plot twists that work as well. This is a great date flick. Something for everybody.

Rated: PG-13

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