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Ocean's Eleven

Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Genre: Action
Year: 2001
Rating: 4 / 5

I have never seen the original Rat Pack film Ocean's Eleven, so comparisons between it and Steven Soderbergh's "remake" are not forthcoming. I can say, however, that the newer version of Ocean's Eleven is a thoroughly entertaining film, due in large part to a fun-loving cast whose real life camaraderie shines through on screen. In an era of large salaries and even larger film budgets, it is surprising to see such a collection of talent gathered in one place. How often will stars like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, and Don Cheadle - for starters! - find themselves in the same movie?! Ocean's Eleven is the vehicle which brings them together, and we are all wealthier for it.

Danny Ocean (George Clooney) is a smooth-talking criminal, just released from prison and looking to round up some friends for the score of a lifetime. Danny's vision is to rob a massive underground vault, one containing the combined monies of three of the largest Las Vegas casinos. All three are owned by power broker Harry Benedict (Andy Garcia), who just happens to be dating Danny's ex-wife Tess (Julia Roberts). This job will not be a walk in the park, and, by Danny's estimation, it will take at least eleven men to pull it off. With a payday rumored to be in excess of $150 million, Danny has no trouble rounding up interested parties, and soon the game begins.

Ocean's Eleven works because the film is hip, smart, and, most importantly, fun. Even throwaway scenes, like an early one featuring a poker game involving Brad Pitt and a half dozen of today's brightest young television stars, ring true. The movie leads are charismatic and a joy to watch. I personally enjoyed the friendly banter between Clooney's Danny Ocean and his right-hand man, Dusty Ryan, played by Brad Pitt. The two come across as lifelong friends zinging quips back and forth, without a care in the world. As odd as this sounds, the film succeeds because of the timeless "buddy film" formula, where the chemistry between the main stars is essential for audience buy-in. In Ocean's Eleven, with more leads than can be counted, the buy-in is definitely there.

Director Steven Soderbergh, fresh off of the Oscar success of Erin Brockovich, is in top form again with this slick crime caper. He keeps the pace moving from the moment Danny Ocean is released from prison all the way through the film's climactic heist sequence. Every member of Danny Ocean's "team" screams cool, sporting an attitude only these been-there-done-that criminals could appreciate. Clooney is suave as the unit's organizer, while Pitt has more than his share of humorous scenes while playing second fiddle to Danny Ocean. We may never see this collection of A-list talent together in one place again, so recognize Ocean's Eleven for what it is - one hell of a good time!

Cast:

Certification: Rated PG-13 for language.
Running Time: 125 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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