THATFILMGUY

Heist films are few and far between when looking in comparison with other genres, then there were the Ocean’s Trilogy. In a day and age that trilogies seem to be taking over the book and film world, it only seems fitting to look at these particular three. Ocean’s Eleven, originally a Rat Pack film from 1960, has now become much more, with Steven Soderbergh essentially sexing up one hell of a 5 fingered discount. With a banging cast of A-Listers ranging from George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon to Andy Garcia, Julia Roberts, and Don Cheadle, Ocean’s Eleven is saturated with rock and roll appeal. The Cloone takes on the character of Danny Ocean in this firecracker of a film, an ex-convict having lost every single dime he owns and his one true love (Roberts). 1 minute out of jail and his already planning his one last HUGE scam, a scam to end all scams. Setting him and some very fortunate friends up for the rest of their lives “ well that’s the aim. Calling on their ex-casino owner friend Ruben to fund the plan, the terrible twosome pitch their idea to rob the MGM Grand, The Mirage and Bellagio casinos in one night. Vegas is the destination and Terry Benedict’s (Garcia) casinos will take the hit. The skill set required for this immense task is very particular, and the people chosen are all experts in specific areas of the criminal underworld.

Ocean’s Eleven is quick witted and slick. Steven Soderbergh hit the nail on the head with this movie, the casting – perfect, with Brad Pitt and George Clooney leading the way. Everything about the film is chic, taking inspiration from the era it was originally created in, a retro vibe encompasses everything from the music, to the funky set designs and outfits. Soderbergh’s bringing back the funk that Hollywood lacks these days. The storyline is snappy, with the right mix of humour, action, and bromance. If only I could have been a fly on the wall during production.

Ocean’s Eleven’s two protagonists Pitt and Clooney interacted in a natural and relaxed way, their relationship coming across exactly how it was meant to. Best friends forever. This is not excluding the other 9 cast members. All had their little quirks that made each character their own. A stand-out being Bernie Mac “ the perpetual joker and con artist. Although this film may not be the most complex or intellectual movie created, it doesn’t need to be. What it lacks in depth it makes up for in style and innovativeness. Ocean’s Eleven cannot be talked about without mentioning Andy Garcia, usually type casted as an Italian gangster/villain, he changes it up as casino owner. The one interesting point is that despite not actually having done anything wrong “ he still receives most of the audiences hatred. All he is responsible for is being a savvy business man. Criminal? Not this time. Ocean’s Eleven is thoroughly entertaining and clever, but I left feeling slightly hungry after watching Brad Pitt munch his way through the equivalent of a football teams dinner.
Jordanna K. Virdee   Related Reviews: Ocean’s Twelve (2004) Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)