The Italian Job Gift Set (1969)

The Italian Job (2003)
Though it bears little resemblance to the original 1969 thriller starring Michael Caine, the 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 honor and dishonor 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), Charlize Theron is recruited to double-cross a double-crosser (Edward Norton in oily villain mode), and once again, speedily versatile Mini Coopers 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

The Italian Job (1969)
This little-known cult caper is about as depraved as they come. Michael Caine, ever the enterprising swinger and swindler, has an ingenious plan to steal a huge cache of Chinese gold to be shipped to Turin as collateral for a new Fiat plant. Since the Italy-Great Britain soccer match is being played at the same time, Caine wants to create a diversion in the form of a monumental traffic jam. For financing, he turns to Noel Coward, who directs British criminal enterprises from his jail cell. A motley crew is assembled, including Benny Hill as a computer expert with a fetish for large-breasted women. It's all a nasty and fun parody, with the most memorable robbery-chase sequence in the history of the caper genre. --Bill Desowitz Amazon.com

Exceptional combo

With a common deminator of Morris Minors these two movies reflect the entertainment of their day. The original, starring a ridiculously young Michael Caine, remains fresh despite its age. Filled with irepressible Cockney humor it moves between the comic moments to the final 'cliffhanger' leaving us all hanging. With appearance by Noel Coward, Benny Hill (in true form)
The new version is much more a thriller of today. superbly fast paced, a truly rotten villain (a great performace as always from Edward Norton) and some brilliant heist scenes this ranks up there with the Rock, Con Air and the like for excitement. Mark Whalberg shines and Charlize Theron is so much more than joyous eye candy here. March 17, 2004

Sucks

If you want the same old, bang bang rob the bank, movie then go ahead and by this low brow movie. Take it from me it sucks. November 24, 2003

Two Very Different Movies with minis

One cannot compare the two movies because they are only somewhat similar.
I love Michael Caine. He's always at his best. The movie seems to be the spoof of the newest one.
The American version has more action, suspence, great lines, and some fab actors. Jason Statham is one hot actor, who can say anything and it is so well done. November 19, 2003

THE ONLY QUESTION IS WHICH ONE I LIKE MORE.

This is the right way to make a remake: fun, clever, and full of great stunts (as opposed to unbelievable CGI effects a la Charlie's Angels).
The old version is pretty good too, I bought it without having seeing it before and it didn't dissapoint. It doesn't always make sense (just what the heck did the Minis climb that huge roof for ?) but then again, who cares ?!?
Great movies which make your DVD player a great reason to exist! November 2, 2003

Brill Film

If your a Italian Job fan of not get this this is one of the best films i've ever seen much better than 1969 version so BUY IT NOW October 16, 2003

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