The Italian Job
	Rated: PG-13
	Runtime: 1hr 45min
	Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton, Charlize Theron, Donald Sutherland, Seth Green, Jason Statham
	MFG Rating: 4/5

The Italian Job is a remake of a 1969 film starring Michael Caine. The original isn't yet available on Netflix as it hasn't been released on DVD yet, so we haven't seen it and cant compare it to the new version. However, if it is half as entertaining as the 2003 version we look forward to it.

Marky Mark Wahlberg plays Charlie Croker, the protege of master thief John Bridger played by Donald Sutherland. John is looking for one last big job before he retires. With a very clever plan they rip off $35 million in gold. However, a member of the crew, played by Edward Norton, double crosses everyone else and kills Sutherland's character and makes off with all of the loot. Predictably, the rest of the crew wants their gold back. They hatch an even more elaborate scheme than the original robbery to get it.

There's a certain sense of style in this movie that reminds me a bit of Oceans Eleven, although this cast isn't quite as large in either name or number. All of the characters have cool nicknames, histories and are very good at their individual jobs. And the actors seem to have a lot of fun with these roles and do a good job. Seth Green really surprised me as a standout. He stole a number of scenes playing the hacker of the group. He calls himself "The Real Napster" claiming that Sean Fanning stole the program from him while they were roommates in college.

None of these guys are the real star of the movie though when you get right down to it. The star is the Mini Cooper. The chase scenes with these little guys are a lot of fun to watch on the big screen. What other car can you race thru a small drain pipe? And even on the street, they were making maximum use of the fact that the Mini Cooper is capable of maneuvers normally reserved for go-carts.

The Italian Job has flaws, but try not to over analyze the movie or pay undue attention to detail. Just sit back and enjoy the ride that the film is going to take you on. This is what summer movies should be like. We had a lot of fun, and the chase scenes alone were worth the price of admission. We give this movie a strong 4 stars.

- Billy Bob