MINI Cooper S from The Italian Job

How do you steal a scene from Charlize Theron? Easy, be a MINI Cooper S. At least that's how most who saw the movie remember the film The Italian Job released in 2003. The movie itself, a remake of a 1969 British movie of the same name starring Michael Caine, was a hit. And the MINI Coopers in the last act were the stars.

What stood out in my mind in recalling the movie were the MINIs being driven around inside Steve's (Ed Norton) house through the hallways. Of course, the house was a very big mansion. But nevertheless, a car being driven inside it was something unusual and pretty cool at the same time.

Also, you can't forget the ensuing scene when Charlie (dark blue MINI), Stella (red MINI), and Handsome Rob with Left Ear (white MINI) jacked Steve's gold through LA's train tunnel, river wash, and crowded streets. They drove the cars down the stairwells to begin the caper.

Some fans and owners of MINI Coopers credit the movie as the reason why they bought the car. I know two couples who each bought a matching set of MINI's after watching The Italian Job. The car is surprisingly roomy and has decent gas mileage. They had been gloating during the travesty of high gasoline prices in 2006-07. Other small conventional cars and hybrids can probably do better in gas savings, but the MINI Cooper does it with style.

Here's a cool video of a Mini Cooper S racing against a Porsche. Check it out.

Pictures of MINI Coopers

Another great thing about The Italian Job was that it starred Jason Statham. He went on to star in another car movie remake, Death Race in the lead role. I'll have posts on the Transporter cars eventually.