The Italian Job

Fun from beginning to end. The English Underworld against the Italian mafia as Charlie Crocker (played by Michael Caine), recently released from prison, now plans a big kill in Italy with the financial backing of crime lord, and true boss of the prison where he lives, Mr. Bridger (played by Noel Coward). The film probably belongs to that antihero genre where crooks play against crooks, like Ocean Eleven or The Sting. Nevertheless, the Italian Job is a superb film on its own merits. I loved Caine’s Crocker, a James Bond type playing for the bad guys, never missing a chance with women, and keeping his cool even while watching two of his sports car being smashed and thrown off cliffs under orders of his Italian counterpart. Noël Coward plays against type here, enjoying every bit of it, including a final scene where he’s about to taste a banquet to celebrate his success.Other than these delightful characters, the planning and execution of that plan, this film also has my favorite car-chasing scene. And the conclusion to the film, not only is a surprise, but it is also deliciously funny and outrageously hilarious, keeping up with the spirit of the film until its last second.The direction is perfect, producing a film that moves with speed enough to compete with the getaway cars in the car-chasing scene; and the soundtrack by Quincy Jones effectively contributes to the humor and action in this film. Watching some of the gang move to the rhythm of the soundtrack as they replace tapes that will jam the traffic the next day is delightfully funny. All in all, this film is perfectly enjoyable.

The Caper genre has been around for a long time but isn't seen all that much these days or, in my mind, done as well. The latest, of course, was the REMAKE of "Ocean's Eleven" and the REMAKE of "The Thomas Crown Affair", both not as well done as the originals. And, then, there is the remake of "The Italian Job".However, for what it is, this original version is still a very fun film and is definately one of the all-time Car Buff favorites because of the Minis and, unlike some, Car Buffs enjoy ALL the Mini scenes, especially the practice sessions (much more fun than the remake's). The ending theme song is still hugely popular with British car lovers.By today's standards the original "The Italian Job" may seem lame to the younger crowd since there are no hotshot special effects...or loads of dead bodies. And English humor is, well, different than Americans'. On the other hand, all the car stunts are real and fun and the cast does not take themselves too seriously. The movie isn't as slick as the new version with Mark W., but I still like it more. It is a very 60s movie.For one thing, there is more to the getaway than the remake. However, just like the remake, the crew is stealing money from the Mafia, but, unlike the remake, the ending isn't as tidy and happy for the robbers. Funny as can be, but not exactly happy. It's a real cliff hanger.This movie is also timely right now since BMW has introduced the new retro designed Rover MINI to the U.S. market. And, as a matter of information, used/restored "old" Minis are still being imported to the U. S. in decent numbers by private individuals. I've heard that there are an estimated 10,000 classic Minis still in the U.S. I belong to a Mini club in Texas with well over 100 members. Many, like myself, own more than one and many also own the new BMW MINI.The only odd aspect about this movie is why it took so long to finally be offered on tape and then, after a couple of years, get down to such a great price since Michael Caine starred in it. I can remember waiting and waiting for this movie to be released on VHS. Something along the lines of the wait for "LeMans". And, then, it wasn't cheap. The new DVD is much better quality of course and well worth the money. The DVD's extras are good, too.

But bloody flat story

Here's my tote:5 points for Michael Caine, playing the young "Michael Caine."0 points for most of his supporting players, given no personalities and little to do, with the exception of5 points for Noël Coward, in his last movie role, while subtracting5 points for his needless toupee.0 points for the first hour's pacing, in which we learn next to nothing about the gang's members and their plans.5 points for the second hour, well directed and edited, featuring spectacular feats of human skill behind automobiles' steering wheels. No CGI foolery; genuine danger—so much so that top stunt drivers walked away from a particular rooftop leap across a chasm.3 points for shrewd Fiat product placement, while a fleet of Union Jack Minis did most of the work.0 points for a script that makes no logical sense, with5 points for willing our suspension of belief, while giving Mr. Caine5 points for each of two of the most memorable lines in British comedy—including the movie's closer.4 points for Quincy Jones's wide-ranging, humorous score.4 points for one of cinema's great closing images.10 points for the movie's inspiring annual children's charities, which since 1990 has raised £3,000,000.00 and counting.Let's give this one a 4/5. The second hour is one great romp: cheerful, Mack Sennett escapism in a time when we need it.