| Written by Dogburt,
on 22-12-2001 08:00
|
Published in : Reviews, Movies |
I must admit that I've never seen the original "Ocean's Eleven" in its entirety. This film, a remake of that 1960's 'rat pack' movie starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. is something of a cult classic even though by most accounts it wasn't very good. Enter a rat pack of a new generation: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, and Matt Damon. They've never worked together until now. Enter the hot director of the moment Steven Soderbergh, throw in some Julia Roberts and some Oscars and presto! You've got a big mess on your hands.
 Unless of course you've got a bunch of megawatt stars who aren't afraid to make something good. A bunch of folks who share a vision that is something so cool that they simply want to be a part of it, regardless of the pay cut. A bunch of actors who enjoy working with a director whom they trust completely. A bunch of boys looking to have a good time and make a fun movie. Yeah, then you've got something magical.
"Ocean's Eleven" re-introduces the plot of a bunch of smart crooks wanting to steal something. In this case it is $160 million dollars, and in Danny Ocean's case, revenge on the guy that stole his wife while he was incarcerated. You've got your usual level of twists and turns, plot devices, creative solutions, and wonderful-to-watch con games. However, that's not what sets this movie apart. From day one when Clooney and Soderbergh connected with this remake in mind, questions came regarding whether or not this many movie superstars could coexist on the same set. I don't know how they did it, but they did, and probably better than anyone could have thought possible. And the reason why is that you can tell they all trust each other and are having fun with it.
Clooney as Danny Ocean is dead-on perfect as the guy with the brains (and balls) to attempt such a heist. He's the only guy who can convince the others that this deal will work. He's confident without being smug and takes everything in stride as if he knows what cards everyone else is holding (a fact made clear when he meets up with his #2 for the first time). Brad Pitt is the said #2, Rusty Ryan. He is ice cold, calculating, and every bit the equal of Danny. What Pitt does so well here is not get into the battle of 'who is the bigger star?' with Clooney. They just play off each other as if they were old friends and the dialogue is priceless.
The rest of the cast mixes well with the two leads. Don Cheadle plays Basher Tarr, a Brit who likes to blow things up. He says a lot of things an American trying to act like a Brit would say, and most of it is pretty incomprehensible. Yet the funny thing is that his boys all know what he's talking about so they just take it in stride. Matt Damon plays the new kid Linus, who is #11 in the recruitment category. For the most part he plays it straight but still participates in a hilarious con to get inside the casino. Carl Reiner plays Saul, the aged vet who is just trying to stay happy in retirement, yet is coaxed out for the big payday. And Casey Affleck and Scott Caan, who play the brothers Turk and Virgil Malloy, do some of the best comic relief. From their opening introduction to their integral role in the heist, they steal the show whenever they're on screen. Elliott Gould is the millionaire casino owner who has a personal vendetta against Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) owner of the three targeted casinos. Julia Roberts is Tess Ocean, Danny's ex-wife and Benedict's current squeeze, which gives Danny further need for vindicating the heist. Cumulatively, not only do you have one of the most star-laden casts ever assembled, but you've also got a crew who is completely having a ball with this film.
The entire key to the movie is the dialogue. That is why these folks decided to do the gig- the opportunity to work with each other and enjoy the moment of creating a fun movie. Soderbergh obviously has all of their respect, because he's able to weave them all together to create an exciting and hilarious romp through Vegas. The dialogue is most similar to "Out of Sight," which really brought Clooney to the forefront. It is sharp, witty, often times hilarious, and some of the best I've heard since "Swingers." The interchanges alone are well worth seeing this film multiple times. Also, recognition needs to go to Soderbergh for some wonderful cinematography. It almost goes unnoticed most of the time, since we the viewers are often star-struck and convulsing with laughter. But several times I was able to observe and appreciate that his eye had created some sharp camera angles that further enhance the experience.
As heist plots go, this certainly is not anything outstanding. What make the movie outstanding though are the hands that it has been placed in. The plot sometimes leaves holes and the mechanics of the robbery are not concrete, but no matter. That's not why this movie is great. It is great because Soderbergh wanted to have a good time and he found a bunch of friends to come along for the ride. You should too.
- Dogburt
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