The Italian Job (2003)

: Hot Potato

Directed by: F. Gary Gray
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Donald Sutherland, Jason Statham, Seth Green, Mos Def

Can I just say that I love heist movies? That being said, I really love this remake! I don’t know why, but I can watch this again and again. I love the opening credit sequence and the Venice location for the “Italian Job” heist. The transition to the Alps is cool too (great contrast in scenery). This movie is fun and the stunts are real, not a bunch of CGI, so kudos to Gray. I like just about anything with Edward Norton, and Donald Sutherland is a classic, although he only appears in the first half hour or so. Seth Green and Mos Def have some hilarious moments, while Mark Wahlberg plays the leader and straight guy determined to get even with a traitor in the group. I don’t get the huge appeal for Jason Statham, who plays Handsome Rob, but his character is amusing nonetheless, and Charlize Theron works well as the group’s newest, and solely female, member. So, if safe cracking strikes your fancy, and serving up sweet revenge is satisfying, you should see this spunky spud; it’s simply sumptuous. (How’s that for alliteration?)

-PotatoPatti