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Directed by: Steven
Soderbergh
Written by:
George Nolfi
Starring: George Clooney,
Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Bernie Mac, Elliott
Gould, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Eddie Jemison, Shaobo Qin, Carl Reiner, Don
Cheadle, Vincent Cassel, Andy Garcia, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Julia Roberts
Rated:
Rated PG-13 for some language and sexual content.
Theatrical Release: December
10, 2001
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Everyone knows the first films, Ocean’s
Eleven, by now…but people need to start watching for director Steven
Soderbergh. Yeah, he did that thing called Full Frontal, but this guy
is good. Everyone expects the same thing from Ocean’s Twelve they
received from Eleven…and this sequel delivers.
When we last saw Danny Ocean (George Clooney),
he had just been paroled from prison…again. He drove off with his wife, Tess
(Julia Roberts), and best friend, Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), into the sunset,
having successfully pulled off the biggest heist in Las Vegas history.
Little did they know, Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), whom Ocean’s gang
robbed, was tailing Danny and the other ten…and his $160 million dollars.
Ocean’s Twelve opens up with Benedict confronting each member and
demanding his money back, with interest.
Forced out of retirement, Ocean’s gang reunites
to rob their way out of debt to Benedict. Too hot to work in the States, the
team flies to Europe. Unfortunately, they find themselves pursued by both
Isabel Lahiri (Catherine Zeta-Jones), an Interpol detective who just happens
to by Rusty’s ex-girlfriend, and an expert cat-burglar named the “Night Fox”
(Vincent Cassel), determined to prove himself to be the best thief in the
world over Danny Ocean.
Essentially this is the same story as the first
film. Thief on the outs with his hot Ex-; big heist; thief tries to get Ex-
back; lots of witty banter in between. Only this time out, Brad Pitt is the
point character for the story instead of George Clooney. Everything plays
out like you would expect until the “Night Fox” shows up with his battle of
wits. Then the film gets really good.
Once again, this film really shines in its
ensemble work. All the favorites from the first film reprise their roles,
but this film has so much story to tell that it lacks a little. Not every
character has as much screen time as the last film, which is disappointing.
However, moments are provided for more character development and enjoyment,
like the “Lost in Translation” bit and cracks about how old Ocean looks.
Again, these are the jewels of the film.
But most criticism on this film comes on two
fronts. First, “This film was too much like the first one.” Yeah…okay,
Ocean’s Twelve is extremely similar in the basic plot outline, but it is
executed much differently. I like the fact that Brad Pitt takes center stage
a little more, its fun to see his character developed a little more.
Besides, there are enough ties to the first film to satisfy those people who
just want to see a remake without upsetting those who want something more
and new.
Lest we forget the second group of critics:
“This film was too different from the first one!” The first film seemed to
have more “bang” for its buck to some. People leave asking, “Where’s the
climax?” Well if they remember, the first film ended on a very subtle note
with everyone standing at the fountain in front of the Bellagio during the
symphonic swell. Seemed like a mellow moment to me. But if they are
referring to the stunning reveal of how the gang got away with it, they are
right. This film is different, but just as well written, just as well acted,
and just as creative.
It may be a different film, but ultimately
that’s what you want…right? It just goes to prove you can please all of the
people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but some
people just like to whine and complain when expectations exceed the realm of
all possibility. Ocean’s Twelve is a great film, and it could be
better than the first. Yet I must bow to the predecessor and resist giving
this film a higher rating, but again…“Two thumbs way, way up!!” It’s pure
entertainment, baby!
I can't wait for
Ocean's Thirteen! |
