Ocean's Thirteen Review
by Jerry Saravia (Faust668 AT msn DOT com)March 30th, 2009
OCEAN'S THIRTEEN (2007)
Reviewed by Jerry Saravia
RATING: Three stars
So I saw "Ocean's Eleven" once more a while ago, a film I initially disliked but it has grown on me somewhat. If anyone were to ask me whether I prefer the Rat Pack 1960 version or the modern one, I would go with the Rat Pack. I have not seen "Ocean's Twelve" but I am curious because "Ocean's Thirteen" is a delightful if empty form of escapism that has no other angle other than to entertain. With a game case, I let them roll the dice and, surprisingly, they score.
Steven Soderbergh's newest sequel centers on good old slickster himself, Ruben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), who thinks he is buying a brand new casino with all the expected fireworks until his greedy partner, Willie Banks (Al Pacino), buys him out and Ruben ends up in the emergency room from heartache (Willie also names the casino after himself). All you need to shake things up is the reliable Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his merry band of hucksters, slicksters, con- artists and thieves who have more sleight-of-hand than the old Santa Fe zine I used to write for, Legerdemain. The idea is to undermine Willie's whole operation, steal some precious diamonds, and cut his profits on opening day. Unfortunately, the Ocean's group runs out of money to stage such an operation and they have to resort to dealing with a former nemesis, cooly played with ease and laid-back charm by Andy Garcia.
So we get scenes where Matt Damon wears an oversized nose, the late Bernie Mac displaying his latest card game, a Mexican factory where the Vegas chips are made, Brad Pitt pretending to be a scientist who fears an earthquake is on the way, Al Pacino hooting and hollering, George Clooney getting teary-eyed at an Oprah episode, a boring machine that has to simulate an earthquake, and much more. It is all fun and games, with whiplash editing and flashy direction by Steven Soderbergh. The actors all show up and give it a relaxed tone that makes it all the more fun.
None of this preposterous nonsense makes a lick of sense but it is spirited and has quicker, sharper dialogue than the original 2001 film. The movie is basically a caper film in-name only, since its pure existence is to entertain the audience and provide George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Al Pacino and Matt Damon as true attractive movie stars with flashy suits and cool demeanors. The movie looks, feels and acts like a cool summer breeze that is unique in its own way. It's glitzy Hollywood entertainment - the kind you don't see anymore - so go and enjoy that breeze.
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