Today’s quick review: Ocean’s Eleven. Danny Ocean (George Clooney) just got out of jail, and he already has another job planned: knock down three Las Vegas casinos owned by Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) for a combined take of $160 million. Together with his right hand man Rusty (Brad Pitt), he assembles a crew of eleven thieves, including a British explosives expert (Don Cheadle), a blackjack dealer and inside man (Bernie Mac), and a rookie pickpocket (Matt Damon). But Danny has hidden one crucial detail from his crew: Terry is dating his ex-wife Tess (Julia Roberts), and the theft is as much personal as it is business.
Ocean’s Eleven is a star-studded heist film with a light tone, a clever plot, and all the ritz one could hope for from Las Vegas. Danny and Rusty draw on their easygoing friendship and years of experience to recruit a team of top criminal talent, with personalities to suit. The film packs a lot of humor into its 115 minutes, and nearly all of it comes from the natural, amusing interactions between the characters. The heist itself unfolds nicely, teasing just enough to pique the viewer’s interest while saving the best for last.
Watch Ocean’s Eleven if you are in the mood for a well-constructed hesit film with a great cast, plenty of humor, and a couple of nice surprises. While not a revolutionary film of any sort, Ocean’s Eleven captures an excellent tone using an excellent cast, sparkling writing, and a well-considered plot. Skip Ocean’s Eleven if you are looking for a more dramatic heist film, if you dislike the lead actors, or if you have simply seen it too many times already. But if you have yet to see it and are in the mood for something light, give Ocean’s Eleven a try.
7.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a great plot, a phenomenal cast, and sheer entertainment throughout.