Rating: Summary: Rat Pack: The Next Generation Review: "Ocean's 11," directed by Steven Soderbergh, is a remake of a 1960 film of the same name. That first film co-starred the notorious "Rat Pack," which included Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Soderbergh's version stars George Clooney as Danny Ocean, an ex-convict who organizes a team of 11 criminals for an audacious plot: to rob the vault of Las Vegas casinos owned by super-rich Terry Benedict (played with a nice edge by Andy Garcia)."O11" is a very entertaining film: an effective mix of humor, character drama, inventive plot twists, and high-tech thrills. The superb ensemble cast includes Julia Roberts (as Clooney's love interest), Matt Damon (as a pickpocket), and Brad Pitt (as a master card player). The ensemble members have great chemistry together. Clooney follows up terrific roles in "The Perfect Storm" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" with his role as Ocean. Clooney is charming and likeable, and his expressive eyes bring a nice wistful touch to his performance. The film is also greatly enlivened by the versatile Don Cheadle as a British demolitions expert. Elliot Gould is hilarious as a rival to Garcia's character: watch out for his outrageous costumes. But my favorite performance in the film belongs to show biz legend Carl Reiner as an aging con man; he is outstanding, and quite endearing, in his double-layered role. Some aspects of the plot are a bit far-fetched, and I must admit to a degree of unease with a film that essentially glorifies destructive criminal behavior. But the film's strong points are evident. I particularly like how the film evokes the excitement, glamour, and intrigue of the high-stakes Las Vegas scene. "Ocean's 11" is another strong effort from one of our most interesting directors.
Rating: Summary: Not A Bad Con. Review: "Ocean's Eleven" is one of those films that does not attempt to be a stirring social commentary or a barrage of poop jokes that's supposed to be a comedy (although there is only one joke involving human waste in this film). It is simply meant to entertain, and it does just that. George Clooney stars as Danny Ocean, a paroled thief who decides to rob a major casino owner (played by Andy Garcia) of his casino's earnings during a boxing match. He assembles a crew of eleven theives to pull of the heist, but why would he want to go through with this seemngly impossible job? Is it because of the $160 million dollar pay off? Or maybe it's because his ex-wife (Julia Roberts) happens to be the casino owner's new girl? What do you think? This movie manages to put together a nice ensemble for our crew (including Bernie Mac as a con artist, Carl Reiner as an aging thief, Don Cheadle as a explosives expert, and many, many others) and the solid performances and brilliant dialogue managed to keep this movie from being an empty, flashy caper flick and makes it an enjoyable, flashy caper flick. The DVD itself has some nice additional stuff, including a commentary with the director and writer (dry, but funny nonetheless) and one with several of the stars (such as Brad Pitt, Andy Garcia, and Matt Damon) that's just as fun. Definitely worth a look-see.
Rating: Summary: Just as good as ocean's 12 Review: A great movie with comedy and action. Julia Roberts is hot.
Rating: Summary: Terrific Cast makes this film fun to watch. Review: A Professional Thief by the name of Danny Ocean (George Clooney), who just got release from Prison but he`s planning to do another crime with a foolproof plan, it`s never been done before. So Danny and his best friend (Brad Pitt) need nine different professionals (Oscar-Winner:Matt Damon, Bernie Mac, Elliot Gould, Carl Reiner, Casey Affleck, Scott Cann, Don Cheadle, Ediie Jemison & Shaobo Qin) to masterminding a Major Las Vegas Heist to pull it off. But Danny`s Plan is to Rob a ruthless Casino Mogal (Andy Garcia), who`s keeping company with Danny`s Ex-Wife (Oscar-Winner:Julia Roberts). Directed by Oscar-Winner:Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich, Full Frontal, Traffic) made a entertaining light comedy caper. This Cast is Terrific (Especially`s Reiner Role), this is in-name only of the 1960 movie of that the Original Rat Pack (Even Angie Dickinson & Herny Silva, who appear in the Original film, which they make a Cameo Apperences). DVD has a sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer (also sharp in the Pan & Scan transfer) and a terrific Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has a Commentary Track by the Director and the Screenwriter. Another Commentary Track is by the Stars:Damon, Garcia and Pitt. DVD also has Documentaires, Theatrical Trailers and DVD-Rom Extras. This is Cleverly Written by Ted Griffin (Ravenous), which it has Plenty of Plot Twists & Surprises but at times-the film does have moments slow going. But it`s the skill of Soderbergh`s style & direction makes this film One of the Biggest Blockbusters Hits of 2001 a Winner. Topher Grace, Barry Watson, Brian Green Bush, Holly Marie Combs, Joshua Jackson & Producer:Jerry Weintraub appears in Cameos. Cheadle`s supporting role is Unbilled. Super 35. Grade:A-.
Rating: Summary: A lightweight caper with brilliant chemistry Review: After a runaway success with this year's heavyweight TRAFFIC, director Steven Soderbergh relaxes his pace with a hilarious take on the enjoyable caper, a remake on the 1960s Ocean's 11. It is in fact one that surpasses the original starring Rrank Sinatra and his Rat Pack pals - and part of the luminous glow attributes to Soderbergh's stylish directing and cinematography. The Las vegas glamour and casino burst in full glory with the cameras - consistent with the brilliance of the mega stardom. Danny Ocean played by the enigmatic George Clooney decides to erase criminal history with a heist on the casino tycoon Terry Benedict. He conjures up a plan to penetrate the 200 feet vault and ultimately the 150 million prize. Yet his motives run deeper - his ex wife played by Julia Roberts is now Terry's interest. Danny joins forces with a motley of swindlers and pickpockets - including Matt Damon as Linus Caldwell, Brad Pitt as Rusty - his sidekick, Don Cheadle with his British accent as a bomb expert, Shaobo Qin as a acrobat, Carl Reiner as an experienced hustler et al. Despite the first hour of the movie rounding up the characters, there is never a dull moment. That's where Soderbergh's storytelling confidence takes full fledge - each is with his distinctive personality; their rapport and chemistry has bolstered the good-natured fun. The plot remains outlandish with a slight twist or two, speckled with some smooth humour and sleek moves in the action department. This year's best heist thriller? It is an intelligent plot serviceable enough but not much powerhouse acting like THE SCORE. Ocean's 11 has no plans to outshine or compete - the mood is dexterously imbued to entertain the audience with some light fluff and clean fun. The competent directing and scripting robs away your mundane boredom to light you up with a smile.
Rating: Summary: Ring-a-ding-ding, baby! Review: After directing gritty movies like "Traffic", "Erin Brockovich" and "Out of Sight", Steven Soderbergh decided to take it easy and create a movie whose sole purpose was to entertain. He's done exactly that with "Ocean's 11", an entertaining piece of fluff that mostly delivers. George Clooney leads an all-star cast in this remake of the 1960 Rat Pack caper picture. Thief and ex-con Danny Ocean (Clooney) has recently been released from prison and is already planning his magnum opus: the theft of $150 million from a Las Vegas casino owned by Terry Benedict (a glowering Andy Garcia). But Danny can't pull it off alone, so he recruits his friend Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) and a motley group of shady characters, including Cockney demolitions expert "Basher" Tarr (Don Cheadle), con man Saul Bloom (a scene-stealing Carl Reiner) and light-fingered pickpocket Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon). The larcenous crew is rounded out by card sharp Frank Catton (Bernie Mac), money man Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), Chinese acrobat Yen (Shaobo Qin), and bickering drivers Turk Malloy and Virgil Malloy (the frequently hilarious Scott Caan and Casey Affleck). Complicating things (and fueling Danny's quest) is the fact that Benedict is involved with Danny's ex-wife Tess (Julia Roberts). "Ocean's 11" unfolds smoothly through the standard caper-movie set pieces: the setup, the heist and the getaway. There's lots of snappy patter, played very nicely by the talented cast, and fantastic music--I'd like to see Soderbergh's record collection. Clooney exudes movie-star charm and hipster cool in the role Sinatra originated as ringleader Ocean; it contrasts well with the smoldering Garcia. Cheadle is a hoot, if vastly under-used, but that's the problem with ensemble movies. Brad Pitt, in a standout role, manages to act rather than just coast on his good looks. Ocean and Ryan are a natural fit, like Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. I'd like to see their characters in another picture. The only real stumbling block in my mind is the romantic triangle involving Danny, Tess and Terry. Roberts and Clooney just don't click. There simply are no sparks between them, as there were between, say, Clooney and Jennifer Lopez in the crackerjack "Out of Sight". This made it difficult for me to care about their fractured relationship, and whether or not they would ever make up. In fact, it was pretty much the only sour note in the movie, but it was a big one; it just felt tacked on (pretty much like Frank Sinatra's and Angie Dickinson's relationship in the original). And so, to sum up this too-long review: "Ocean's 11" is not a classic like "The Sting", but it's pretty good nonetheless. My grade: B+.
Rating: Summary: NOT TOO SHALLOW, NOT TOO DEEP Review: Director: Stephen Soderbergh Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, Don Cheedle, Elliot Gould, Eddie Jemison, Casey Affleck, Scott Cann, Bernie Mac, Shaobo Qin, Carl Reiner. Release Date: 7/12/2001 Rated: PG-13 some language and sexual content Running time: 1hr 58mins Genre: Drama While being incarcerated in a New Jersey jail, parolee Danny Ocean formulates a plan to win back his ex-wife and take down three of the largest casinos in Las Vegas, all within twenty- four hours of his release. Ocean's Eleven, remake of the 1960 film, staring the Rat Pack, proved it needed no introduction as actor George Clooney and director Stephen Soderbergh worked together in creating this stylish action packed drama. This remake is definitely worth the wait. Danny Ocean (George Clooney) devises plans amongst prison walls to bring together eleven men to perform a casino heist and win back his ex-wife Tess (Julia Roberts). The success of this movie comes from a thrill seeking adventurous storyline, and from casting some of the finest actors on set to create a movie that is only to be applauded. With the likes of a young pickpocket Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon); Ocean's main man, the smart and stylish Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt); casino owner Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia); with Ocean's ex-wife Tess, played by the stunning Julia Roberts; and Danny Ocean portrayed by none other than George Clooney himself, where could the acting go wrong? The cast took the film to another level, one of class and excitement. Ocean's Eleven is a film with no dead spots. As Clooney and his carefully selected crew continue to make adjustments to their plans, so continues the action and suspense for the audience. The movie allows the audience to have fun and be part of the action, as well as being able to witness a well thought-out (yet non-realistic) plan. The stakes? Win more than $150 million dollars or loose eleven people's freedom. The team of eleven all have their individual moment or two in the limelight throughout the film. The bigger names in the entertainment industry such as the Clooneys and Roberts didn't exactly have to be the center of focus to make this movie work. This allowed a different perspective on character input into the film to arise, and those less highly profiled actors such as explosives expert Bashar Tarr (Don Cheedle) and electronics expert Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison) get to show off their talent and love for performance. These techniques made Ocean's Eleven different from other movies while maintaining at high level what I see as an insightful and interesting drama film. With an experienced director such as Stephen Soderbergh, Best Film Academy Award last year for two of his previous films, Erin Brockovich and Traffic, I didn't expect anything less than an outstanding movie, and that's what I got. I felt that Soderbergh set out to do no more than create a quick and fun film, and Ocean's Eleven matched up to, if not improved upon, my expectations. After walking away from this smart, clever, and stylish film, I would highly recommend Ocean's Eleven to all those who are prepared to play along with adventure and drama. Ocean's Eleven will show you a good time, as it doesn't pretend to be anything it's not.
Rating: Summary: yet another example............ Review: Hollywood has managed in this film to once again show how really great it is to be a thief.....And they managed to use, in my estimation, the top worst to do it. Clooney, who always portrays himself in no matter what role he takes...Pitt who walks thru his role like a zombie throwing in one liners to make it interesting???? And let's not forget the token female, Roberts, who I am still trying to figure out how she can be the most beautiful woman in the world, or is it one of the top five in the world? I forget...... The only redeeming thing about this film was the presence of Garcia and maybe the Las Vegas location. I have no plans to see the sequel as I am sure it will be more of the same humdrum as this turkey was. To me it was just as boring as the original one only an updated version.
Rating: Summary: No matter what mood I'm in... Review: i can always put this movie on and have a good time. I love the plot of this movie and even though the pace may be a bit fast for some I think it adds to the storyline and keeps everything moving. If you decide to watch Ocean's 12 then you should really watch this movie first because there is some information in this movie that carries over and you may need it to understand the plot better. This movie is a fun comedy that keeps you hooked throughout the whole time and was very well done. If you start watching and think it is boring don't turn it off! You will regret not staying on for the ride.
Rating: Summary: Immensely entertaining! Review: I watched this one on DVD last night and was pleasantly surprised at what I saw. Bear in mind that I'm writing this review from the perspective of one who has not seen the original 1960 version of this movie (featuring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., et al.). Therefore I know nothing about how the two versions compare with each other, and frankly I don't care. This version stands on its own two feet quite nicely.
George Clooney plays just paroled con-man/convict Danny Ocean. On the very day he gets out of prison, Danny starts to set in motion a plan to pull off the biggest scam ever -- to raid the vault that holds the earnings of the three hottest casinos in Vegas, to the tune of $160 million. The vault is described as having a security system comparable to that of your average nuclear missile silo. Oh, and by the way, these casinos just happen to be owned by the man who stole Danny's wife, Tess (Julia Roberts), so there's a little extra motivation to stiff this guy but good.
Joined by his right-hand-man, Rusty (played by Brad Pitt), Danny begins to assemble his squad of top-notch crooks (one of whom is played by Matt Damon), each one an expert in one or another necessary skill, and each one with his own little quirks. Once the plan begins to develop, it's likely poetry in motion. Watching these consummate professionals in action was a total treat. The element of suspense was limited throughout the film, as the focus was more on watching Ocean's crew in action. However, there are a few nailbiter scenes, and the surprise twist at the end was wonderfully unexpected.
If you haven't seen this movie, you really should. Don't get hung up on how it compares to the earlier version, or you'll miss all the great stuff in this one. Clooney and Pitt do a bang-up acting job, but Damon's character is a bit marginal. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel, "Ocean's Twelve".
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