10. The Italian Job - (May 30th, 2003)
Critically, theres nothing one could say negatively about this small-scale Oceans Eleven. Its fun, harmless, and entertaining. With such a popular line-up of stars on the DVD cover, its difficult to pass up as you browse your local cable guide for some weeknight entertainment. But unfortunately for long-term franchise potential, becoming a Tuesday night special on a cable-based movie network is all The Italian Job has become. Worthy of possible sequel rumors - named The Brazilian Job - TIJ lost the spark it may have created when it opened up against the tour-de-force of Finding Nemo back in 2003. Full of action, comedy, and elaborate heist set-ups that rely on chain-reactions (always the best kind), TIJ is an example of something you may see a few more times on this list: never release against a childrens movie! One can argue that Finding Nemo was not a sequel or established franchise so who would have thought a few fish would do so much damage. But at this time Pixar was just flexing its muscles. Anyone and everyone should have known to stay out of the bouncing lamps way. Match that with it being blockbuster season and the following week would have been the sequel to another fuel-induced series, 2 Fast 2 Furious, was set to step on the gas. TIJ had no hope of long-term power. This is unfortunate because this movie had the classic heist film vibes: charming cast, exotic locations, and well-done (but not over-the-top) stunts. Unfortunately the suits with the power did not agree.