The Italian Job (2003)

Mark Wahlberg gets top billing in The Italian Job, but three Mini Coopers do the actual work. He plays Charlie like a guy reading the plan off a clipboard, while everyone around him gets the good stuff. Jason Statham drives like rent is due. Seth Green insists he invented Napster, and the movie lets him keep insisting. Charlize Theron’s safecracker is sharper than her boss, and the movie knows it. Edward Norton plays the double-crosser with all the energy of a man waiting on his ride home. The Venice boat chase is a great opener, and the Los Angeles finale, with Lyle jamming the traffic lights while the Minis bounce down subway stairs, is a Mini dealership’s dream. After the first half hour, there are zero surprises left. It made $176.1 million worldwide on a reported $60M budget. A 6.4 because the crew is a blast and the guy in charge is the dullest one in the car. $416 says you squeeze into a tight parking spot this month and hum heist music the whole time.

What works: The crew has real chemistry, especially Statham, Mos Def and Seth Green, and the Mini chase through Los Angeles is a blast.

What doesn’t: Wahlberg is a flat center for a crew this colorful, and once the double cross happens the plot has no surprises left.

Who it’s for: People who like watching a heist get planned more than they care about twists, plus anybody who has dreamed of driving down a subway staircase.