Italian Job, The (1969)

Michael Caine stars in this lighthearted heist film that spoofs British culture relentlessly. From the stiff upper lip Mr Bridger (Noel Coward) who fancies himself like the Queen of England to the zany, non-sequitur sight gags and droll humor, The Italian Job is distinctly British and an unusual comedy-crime thriller. Caine delivers a great performance as Charlie Croker, a criminal fresh out of prison who decides to work a huge job--The Italian Job--as a favor to a deceased friend. He has to manage and wrangle with a team of incompetent but likeable cronies to pull off the elaborate heist--and what an elaborate heist it is. Featuring three Mini Cooper getaway cars (in the colors of the British flag) and a huge coach (also British colors), as well as some complicated but unlikely getaway tactics, the chase scene was more comedy than suspense, but it was fun. And that can be said for the rest of the picture. Surprisingly, the comedy combines well with the suspense and it rolls up nicely into a shallow but enjoyable film.

7/10