The Italian Job is a good movie with a reasonably well developed storyline and a terrific comedic cast. It's a simple film, the story is very basic and easy to follow, the main thing that makes it watchable is the comedy, the great back and fourth between the cast and the chemistry which is a very important part of any movie, even when you're not necessarily laughing out loud there is always a humorous atmosphere in the film which I really liked. The ending of the film annoys me, I know this is probably a controversial statement as it is quite liked by many moviegoers, but I really didn't like it, it's very anti-climatic, after giving us so much build up, we are taken to the place we were waiting for the characters to go and once we see them in the most danger they've ever been in, the movie ends, we have no idea what comes of the main characters or the gold, and this left me unsatisfied. It is a very funny movie and the comedic dialogue works out very well, but I felt like they could have had more dramatic parts, it was the type of story that required it, and with Michael Caine in the lead role it seemed like an easy thing to do, but the movie never wants to take itself any bit seriously. It definitely has several imperfections, but the Italian Job is worth the watch if you ever see it on television and are looking for a good comedy. A group of men plot to create a traffic jam in order to rob a shipment of gold. Best Performance: Michael Caine

Each time I watch "The Italian Job", I become increasingly aware of the film's defects. Almost all of the characters are forgettable and sometimes unnecessary. Can anyone tell me why a shrill American girlfriend was required in swinging 60's London? Benny Hill's character seems obvious, forced and just not fun or funny. Even Noel Coward's role lends little to the film. The film also takes way too long to get to the heist. The Mafia intervention conceit is never really integrated into the heist section. And there is some very dodgy camera work even by the standard of the day.So why do I watch the film? Michael Caine, Michael Caine, Michael Caine. He holds the whole film together. Well, him, the cars and the music.

THE Italian JOB is one of those movies that can stand repeated viewings. Its principal virtue is that it doesn't take itself at all seriously: we know that Charlie (Michael Caine) and his gang will probably not get away with the money, but it's worthwhile watching the way in which he completes the heist and then tries to get away through the streets of Turin and subsequently through the mountains. As the Mr. Big behind the whole operation, Noel Coward plays himself; by the late Sixties, he had acquired quasi-cult status, reveling in his reputation. This is precisely the kind of character he plays in the film. In historical terms, Peter Collinson's film is an advertisement for the Swinging Sixties, with Britain at the center of new movements in fashion and/or coolness. The iconic Minis - used by the gang to complete their escape - are frequently shown in close-up escaping from the more cumbersome Italian police vehicles. On the soundtrack, the famous theme celebrating "The Self Preservation Society" attests to the virtues of capitalism and individual effort. Anyone can achieve their dreams if they are prepared to work for them. At just over ninety minutes in length, THE Italian JOB has a helter-skelter plot that can be enjoyed for what it's worth.

This film embodies the worst of the sixties. It seems like Britain gets a pass when they make bad movies, and this highly rated crap is a classic example. I assumed that since Michael Caine and Noel Coward were in the movie that it would be tolerable. I was sadly disappointed. It's a waste of talent that can be compared to the junk churned out by Peter O'Toole and Peter Sellers in that same era. The plot is weak, the caper is boring, and the opportunities for acting limited. There's a lot of rushing around beautiful European vistas, and very little else. Very little comedy in fact. It's high spirited, like the 60's, but sadly lacking in value(like the 60's).