Ocean's Eleven Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)December 14th, 2001
"Ocean's Eleven" – A Flashy, Classy, Jazzy Flick
It's not the martini you sip but the way you sip it. It's not the tuxedo you wear but the way you wear it. And, it's not the words you speak but the way you speak it. And in "Ocean's Eleven," it's not about the robbery but the way in which it happens. It's about style, attitude, and finesse. And these elements dance about beautifully like the Bellagio fountains.
The film is full of ambition although its goals are somewhat impossible to reach. But in this manner, it possesses a sort of quiet intensity and playful arrogance that makes it appealing as well as bad-boy stylish. George Clooney, who embodies both these qualities, plays Danny Ocean, a man who has just been released from prison. He's as smooth as 12-year old scotch and is an intelligent schemer. His next target, unbelievably, is a Las Vegas casino. But he doesn't just want any casino. He's set his sight on the Bellagio, which boasts more security than some 3rd world nations.
Of course, he'll need help. He manages to assemble an eclectic group of electricians, munitions experts, pickpockets, and acrobats (all played by some of today's hottest stars). But his greatest ally is Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), his long-time partner. Rusty swaggers and intones with tough-guy sexiness and with unquestionable conviction. He has a nice dialogue scene in which he sternly advises a recruit in the fine art of duping people. He even later tells Danny that he's out of the group. "You were out when you chose her over us," he says referring to Danny's hidden agenda. Rusty learns that his ex-wife (Julia Roberts) is now with the casino owner (Andy Garcia). Apparently, Danny wants to steal the money and the girl back as well.
Much can go wrong. Danny wants to stay in. Several recruits seem inexperienced. Then there's all that security that they have to get past. A big deal is made about the constant changing of the security codes, the Uzi-toting security guards, the impenetrable vault, and the multitude of cameras. So the film spends a great amount of time on the eleven of them practicing their improbable heist. As Rusty notes, "we'll need at least a dozen guys with a combination of moves" with split-second timing in order to succeed.
However, what "Ocean's Eleven" wants to do is dazzle us with its sense of atmosphere and style. The robbery sequence is, however, competent and interesting to watch. But there have been better-executed scenes. The vault scene from "Mission: Impossible" was much more thrilling. Meanwhile, the museum caper in "The Thomas Crowne Affair" was far more adroit.
"Ocean's Eleven" is like a tough-guy film without the tough-guy antics. For example, gunplay is virtually non-existent. But these guys are so cool that words are enough. And they know how to sip their martini, wear their tuxedo, and talk the talk. They know how to get the job done.
Grade: B
S: 0 out of 3
L: 1 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
