The Italian Job (1969)

Director: Peter Collinson

Writer: Troy Kennedy-Martin

Composer: Quincy Jones

Starring: Michael Caine, Noel Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley, Rossano, Margaret Blye, Irene Handl, John Le Mesurier, Fred Emney, John Clive, George Innes

More info: IMDb

Tagline: Introducing the plans for a new business venture: "The Italian Job."

Plot: Charlie's got a 'Job' to do. Having just left prison, he finds one of his friends has attempted a high risk job in Italy right under the nose of the Mafia. Charlie's friend doesn't get very far so Charlie takes over the 'Job'. Using three Mini Coopers, a couple of Jaguars and a bus, he hopes to bring Torino to a standstill, steal the Gold and escape.

My rating: 6/10

Will I watch it again? No.

I've seen this a couple times before but it's been ages.  I think I can say I've seen it now for the last time.  The sad thing is this kind of picture is right up my ally.  It's a 60s British caper comedy.  How can I not dig it?  Well, the only laughs it got from me were from Benny Hill.  He probably has less than five minutes combined but he's hilarious.  I definitely could've used more of him.  Caine is great and fun but there's just nothing all that great about this flick.  It looks fantastic but that's about it.  I like the car stunts but maybe the thrill is gone since I've seen it a few times now. I kinda dig watching cars fall off cliffs and this picture's got a bunch of 'em.  I was thrilled that none of them exploded in typical dumb movie fashion...that is until the last one.  Ugh.  The ending is a mixed bag.  I'm torn between leaving it as a literal cliffhanger and getting a resolution.  I understand that it was left ambiguous in case there was a sequel.  I just can't get over how reasonably mediocre this is.  I REALLY want to love this picture but I can't and I've tried.