ThiefHott Too much of everything

Dotbankey A lot of fun.

SpunkySelfTwitter It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

Huievest Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

sol- More impressive the second and third time round, 'The Italian Job' is a film best watched with as few expectations as possible. Its status as one of the greatest crime capers of all time leaves a little to be desired with formulaic characters and none of the buddy-buddy dynamics of 'Ocean's Eleven' and films of its ilk. The fact that we never get to know the characters beyond their basic plot function is less problematic though when one views the film on its own terms. The movie doesn't exactly have a lot to say (other than 'us' against 'them' stuff), but it offers an interesting portrait of the role of automobiles in society, right down to the traffic jam itself, where vehicles that are meant to help one to get around actually prevent folks from getting around. It's a surprisingly funny film too; "this is my toilet!" Coward exclaims after a surprising rendezvous with Caine, and large fluffy toys that will not stop squeaking provide a comical overtone to Caine's fight with his girlfriend. The first hour, which drags on occasional, has nothing on the briskly paced final half-hour which is indeed good enough on its own to make the entire film worth watching. The aerial photography of the three minis driving about like intelligent mice running through a maze is great, and the film's 'Self Preservation' theme song is a delight, perfectly capturing the euphoria of the British criminals. The memorable ending is pitch perfect too and works well even when one knows that it is coming.

Thomas Drufke Today in film, we are obsessed with heroes. No matter if they are actually superheroes, super spies, or just fast drivers, we love to see high octane action with our leads saving the day. Well we also love to root for the anti-hero. The Italian Job is a great example of a film that definitely had an influence on the Fast & Furious franchise, or just any film that gets us to root for characters who aren't necessarily doing the right thing.It stars Michael Caine, a fresh out of jail criminal who is convinced to do one more job. The ultimate multi-million dollar 'Italian Job'. His character, much like most of Michael Caine's early characters, is a ladies man, and also just about as smooth as any British character can get. He's in charge of putting his team together to perfect the job, and the film turns out to be a pretty fun ride. Now I think most of the goofiness and comedy can be a bit dated if you watch it now, but the action definitely holds up. The stunts are impeccable for a 1960's film. In fact the third act has several stunts that would be considered great if it came out today. I think the film suffers at times from having a lack of a clear and present main villain. It's much like Fast 5, in that it's a really fun film with bold action that just doesn't feel complete because the villain (if you can really call him a villain) just isn't present enough for us to care.But the film is still endlessly entertaining and full of classic quotes and a great Michael Caine performance. I know the ending is a bit controversial for some people but I actually love it. I think it was the perfect ending for a film with this kind of tone. So in all, The Italian Job is a solid heist film that I'm sure was praised during it's time.+Caine is such a ladies man +Stunts & action +Suspenseful towards the end +Perfect ending -Lack of a present villain -Goofy at times 7.5/10

Nirmal Patel This movie is all about its 'comic elements'.The robbery theme and the characters are all focused on delivering the 'comic elements' that make for a brilliant comedy movie.The complete focus on the robbery plot makes for a classic caper movie, as well !The remake focuses on the robbery plot as the mainstay of the movie and badly tries to add certain 'comic elements' to it.The original focuses on the 'comedy drama' as the mainstay of the movie and as a superb platform for the robbery plot.Even the 'end' of the robbery plot is a 'comic twist' on the comedy tale.The focus on the serious business of a robbery, and the seriousness of the characters who plot the robbery and those who would thwart it, serve to make the audience take the 'comedy' quite seriously. And enjoy the 'comic elements' as a part of a 'serious plot'.This 'unique perspective' of the movie is ably handled by Michael Caine, and this is what makes him the great actor that he is.

net3431 This film embodies the worst of the sixties. It seems like Britain gets a pass when they make bad movies, and this highly rated crap is a classic example. I assumed that since Michael Caine and Noel Coward were in the movie that it would be tolerable. I was sadly disappointed. It's a waste of talent that can be compared to the junk churned out by Peter O'Toole and Peter Sellers in that same era. The plot is weak, the caper is boring, and the opportunities for acting limited. There's a lot of rushing around beautiful European vistas, and very little else. Very little comedy in fact. It's high spirited, like the 60's, but sadly lacking in value(like the 60's).