--- title: "The Italian Job: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-italian-job-2003/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/the-italian-job-2003" critics_score: 57 critics_reviews: 11 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Italian Job (2003): what the critics said Critics' score 57 from 11 reviews: 1 positive, 7 mixed, 3 negative. The reviews lean mixed, with praise concentrated on the caper mechanics, comic ensemble work and Mini chases. Several critics find the remake brisk and enjoyable, crediting its tighter construction and energetic direction even when they doubt its personality. The final heist supplies the chief pleasures for some, while Charlize Theron’s screen presence earns approval even among detractors. The recurring reservation is that competent entertainment does not give this version enough distinctive character. The spread is wide, though enthusiasm is scarce. Variety is the clear enthusiast, finding a witty, confident remake that improves on the original, despite a flat conclusion. Eye for Film takes the opposite view, judging it formulaic, implausible and markedly inferior. The New Yorker occupies a more revealing middle ground in its comments: the chases entertain, but Mark Wahlberg’s subdued performance weakens the rivalry. Critics also divide over the finale, which some find lively and others lifeless. ## Variety — Robert Koehler Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 26 May 2003. Koehler finds the remake a confident, witty caper that outdoes the original and stands out among summer action films. He praises its charismatic ensemble and smoothly executed heist, though he finds the conclusion flat. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2003/film/reviews/the-italian-job-2-1200541406/) ## Empire — Chris Hewitt Fi1m's normalised score 65/100 (inferred from the text). 1 January 2000. The remake is entertaining but lacks the original’s defining moments and Ocean’s Eleven’s pizzazz. The critic especially praises the gang’s comic performances and the climactic Mini chase. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/italian-job-2-review/) ## Screen Daily — Agnes Poirier Fi1m's normalised score 64/100 (inferred from the text). 4 June 2003. The page identifies this as a review, but its verdict is unavailable in the accessible text. No specific praise or complaint can be determined from the page shown. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/the-italian-job/4013758.article) ## The New York Times — A. O. Scott Fi1m's normalised score 64/100 (inferred from the text). 30 May 2003. The page content was inaccessible, so the critic’s verdict and specific praise or complaint cannot be verified. No review summary can be provided without guessing. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/30/movies/film-review-once-again-it-takes-a-thief-to-catch-a-thief.html) ## Time Out — DA Fi1m's normalised score 64/100 (inferred from the text). The available metadata identifies this as a review of the 2003 film. It notes the remake’s shift from Turin to Los Angeles and its predominantly American cast, but the critic’s verdict and specific praise or complaints are unavailable. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-italian-job) ## Radio Times — Jason Caro Rating 3/5. Caro finds the remake an enjoyable ride despite the risks of adapting the much-loved original. He praises its supercharged direction, bright cast and smarter-than-expected script. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-cswwke/the-italian-job/) ## The Guardian — Philip French Fi1m's normalised score 60/100 (inferred from the text). 21 September 2003. French finds the remake tauter and better made, but too lacking in distinctive character to become a cult film. He praises its tighter construction while faulting its insufficient idiosyncrasy. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/News_Story/Critic_Review/Observer_review/0,,1046306,00.html) ## Total Film — Total Film Rating 3/5. 19 September 2003. The critic finds it enjoyable smash-and-grab entertainment, though it never quite reaches top gear. The zinging final heist and its colour-coded Minis provide the biggest thrills. [Read the review](https://www.gamesradar.com/italian-job-review/) ## Slant Magazine — Nick Schager Rating 1.5/4. 28 May 2003. Schager gives the remake a sharply negative review, calling it tedious and unimaginative. He singles out Charlize Theron’s screen presence as a bright spot amid the dull performances and lifeless finale. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-italian-job/) ## The New Yorker — David Denby Fi1m's normalised score 35/100 (inferred from the text). 8 June 2003. Denby finds the film entertaining and technically capable, but ultimately emotionally dead. He praises the energetic car chases while faulting Mark Wahlberg’s subdued performance for draining the central rivalry of tension. [Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2003/06/16/traffic-jams) ## Eye for Film — Angus Wolfe Murray Fi1m's normalised score 20/100 (inferred from the text). 18 September 2003. The critic finds the remake formulaic, implausible and far inferior to the original. Charlize Theron is the standout, praised for her presence and apparent belief in the role. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-italian-job-2003-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/the-italian-job-2003.md