The Italian Job (2003 film) of 100 from the 37 reviews it collected, indicating "generally favorable reviews." Stephanie Zacharek, writing for Salon.com, liked the reinvention of the plot and the style and execution of the action sequences, specifically those involving the trio of Mini Coopers, which she wrote were the stars of the film. BBC reviewer Stella Papamichael gave "The Italian Job" 4 stars out of 5, and wrote that the "revenge plot adds wallop lacking in the original". "Los Angeles Times" reviewer Kevin Thomas praised the opening Venice heist sequence and the characterization of each of the thieves, but felt that the Los Angeles
The Italian Job (2003 film) Pfister worked together to develop a visual style for the film before production began. They viewed car commercials and magazine photographs, as well as chase sequences from "The French Connection" (1971), "Ronin" (1998), and "The Bourne Identity" (2002) as visual references. Pfister wanted "dark textures and undertones and strong contrast"; he collaborated with production designer Charlie Wood on the color palette, and the two would confer with Gray on their ideas. Paramount preferred that "The Italian Job" not be shot in the anamorphic format, despite Pfister's wishes to do so. Gray wanted a widescreen aspect ratio, so they chose to