The Italian Job (1969)

Two stars. Disappointing.

A truly outstanding collection of classic set-pieces, stylish scenes, and memorable quotes, but the film as a whole is rubbish. The story is poor, the pacing is all over the place, and the acting is literally farcical. Michael Caine delivers a workmanlike cheeky chappie performance, but the rest of the cast cringe, whimper, fawn, whine, pomp and strut like they're over-emoting on stage for an audience that doesn't have close-ups. It's easy to see why the film is considered a classic, but it's equally easy to see why it's more talked about than actually watched.