Today’s quick review: Ocean’s Twelve. Three years after Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his crew robbed Terry Benedict’s (Andy Garcia) casinos of $160 million, Benedict tracks them down and makes an impossible demand: repay the money in two weeks, with interest. The thieves head to Europe in search of work, but their task is complicated by Interpol agent Isabel Lahiri (Catherine Zeta-Jones), Rusty’s (Brad Pitt) ex-girlfriend, and the Night Fox (Vincent Cassel), a master thief with a stake in their activities.
Ocean’s Twelve is a crime comedy with an ensemble cast, an elaborate plot, and a quirky sense of style. The sequel to Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve sees the return of an excellent cast that includes George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Bernie Mac, Don Cheadle, and Andy Garcia. The move to Europe is a nice change of pace for the series, keeping the sense of class while offering a bit of variety.
Ocean’s Twelve accomplishes the tricky task of finding roles for a dozen characters. Danny’s crew have been living the high life since their last heist, but the bubble bursts when Terry Benedict catches up with them. On a deadline and low on options, they pool their money, their talents, and their contacts to steal enough in antiques to pay off their debt. The crew has the same easy banter as before, and the heists they pull are impressive.
But where Ocean’s Eleven was a well-rounded film with a satisfying mix of humor, character, and intrigue, Ocean’s Twelve doubles down on a complicated plot and self-indulgent humor. The twists in the first film were picked carefully and presaged by clues hidden throughout the movie. The twists in the second film are layered on without forethought or consideration for their impact. The clues are present but much subtler, and the plot devolves into a guessing game.
Likewise, the humor in Ocean’s Twelve takes a turn for the bizarre. The sequel has the same casual, funny dialgoue as the first film, but without the sharp, well-paced plot to scaffold it. The jokes are much more obscure than before, both in terms of delivery and subject matter. These Easter eggs can be immensely satisfying for the knowledgable viewer, but anyone who does not pay close attention to the Hollywood references will be left in the cold.
What’s left is still an enjoyable heist film, but one hampered by a confusing plot, odd sensibilities, and a sense of disappointment after the quality of the first movie. Watch Ocean’s Twelve if you enjoyed Ocean’s Eleven and are willing to put up with a dip in quality to see the cast go at it again. More discerning viewers can skip the sequel without much loss.
6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for a great cast and decent comedy held back by serious flaws.