| Overall Grade: |
A |
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| Story: |
B |
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| Acting: |
B+ |
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| Direction: |
A- |
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| Visuals: |
A |
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Better than the original
by . (movies profile)
Nov 10, 2006
5
of
5 people found this review helpful
Although this 2003 version isn't really a remake more so it happens to share the same title as it's 1969 original as only some an minor similarities remain. What F. Gary Gray has done is taken Peter Collinson's British patriotic comedy caper and turned it into a Hollywood worldwide sucess something of which Britain has never really been able to do.
I think very highly of the Sir Michael Caine 'classic' as us Brits seem to deem 'The Italian Job' (1969) it isnt a patch on Hollywood's 2003 updated remake. The 1969 version best attribute against the 2003 version is Sir Michael Caine as he made the film what it was and is irreplacable in casting terms for the 2003 version. With the exception of Caine the 2003 version beats the 1969 version hands down without contest as the original was too stuck in its old ways and only concentrated on the British audience whereas the 2003 version is universally entertaining and friendly.
Onto the film itself, which is most enjoyable from start to end. At no point did I feel bored or have my mind drift away as I have done in so many of this summer's big hitters or should I say flops? My focus and attention was completely towards the film as I was engulfed by the screen with all the entertainment and excitement the film had to offer, and because there were no boring parts the film was very neatly paced and didnt feel like a long winded epic wannabe or 90 minute half ass film. There also was no love story in the film which are most film's downfalls as it usual slows the film down and makes the film drag and is very annoying aswell as boring. It leaves you feeling great and genuine feel like you've got your moneys worth and had an entertaining and enjoyable movie experience which should be every film-makers main aim to please their audience.
The performances that stood out are without question Edward Norton who as always proving he is Hollywood's most gifted actor with so much potential to break into the DeNiro/Pacino category of acting brilliance. Donald Sutherland again is on his usual great form and the rest of the cast really shine through with their all round performance as a team with both male and female leads played my Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron have now proved they can now be respectively cast as leads in such big films. F. Gary Gray's direction is steadily paced and regulary pumps adrenaline into the film to give his audience a rush of action-packed excitment combined with on form acting, a well thought out story and humour to suit everyone's taste he has created a sure fire hit.
To be short this is the best summer film of 2003 that ive had the pleasure of seeing from such a long list of let downs as this is a big blockbuster that does'nt let you down. I highly recommend it to anybody!!!!! |
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