Movie Review: Ocean's Eleven

Ocean's Eleven

Before I begin, let me just say that Ocean's Eleven was originally made some years ago with Hollywood's famed "Rat Pack" in key roles. Frank Sinatra starred, and the movie was well received by the public. I have not seen the original Ocean's Eleven. That being said...

George Clooney somehow managed to grab a gaggle of A-list movie stars to take serious pay cuts and accept roles in his remake of Ocean's Eleven. Among others, Clooney stars here with Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts. I mention the actors first because, in a way, they make the movie better not simply by good acting but by the fact it's obvious onscreen that they were having a ball making the movie. Fun and games aside, Clooney's bad boy parolee decides on one last hit: the central money vault for several Las Vegas casinos. He calls in various friends and acquaintances with varying expertise in breaking, entering, and other assorted criminal ventures, and the group proceeds to put together an intricate plan for the heist.

Because this version of Ocean's Eleven was made in the 21st Century, there are electronics and computer gadgets aplenty to add spice to the storyline, perhaps even enough updated material that there will be surprises for fans of the original. If not, the pure entertainment value of the new film makes up for any lack of suspense those familiar with the story might experience. Clooney, as always, is suave and debonair, not to mention wide-eyed and innocent in the sense of butter not melting in his mouth. Matt Damon is smart enough, but very much a starry-eyed kid. Andy Garcia manages to be both handsome and offputting, sometimes simultaneously. And Brad Pitt is more natural here than in any other film I've seen. Julia Roberts is...well, Julia Roberts. And for a truly entertaining evening in front of the television, that's just fine.

Family Suitability: Ocean's Eleven is too complex for young kids to follow, and, though it has its moments, is probably not filled with enough explosions or shoot-'em-ups to keep a teen happy. The movie is rated PG-13, but I suspect only older teens and adults will really get all they can out of the movie. I thought it was amusing in all the right ways, and came out of the theatre smiling after I first saw it, which is a pretty good recommendation for any movie.