The Italian Job [Import HD DVD]
Though it bears little resemblance to the celebrated 1969 original starring Michael Caine, this 2003 remake of The Italian Job stands on its own as a caper comedy that"s well above average. The title"s a misnomer--this time it"s actually a Los Angeles job--but the action"s just as exciting as it propels a breezy tale of honour and dishonour among competing thieves. Inheriting Caine"s role as ace heist-planner Charlie Croker, Mark Wahlberg plays straight-man to a well-cast team of accomplices, including Mos Def, Jason Statham and scene-stealer Seth Green in a variation of the role originally played by Noel Coward. As the daughter of Croker"s ill-fated mentor (Donald Sutherland), Charlise Theron is recruited to double-cross a double-crosser (Edward Norton in oily villain mode), and once again, speedily versatile Mini Coopers (this time, the modern BMW versions) play a pivotal role in director F Gary Gray"s exhilarating car-chase climax. It"s perhaps the greatest product placement in movie history, and just as fun the second time around. --Jeff Shannon