film: review

> OCEAN'S 11 (2001)
This film packs more star power punch than a Batman movie! However, in this case, director Steven Soderbergh manages to pull it off without a hitch.

By John C. Lyons
Film Critic

Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Don Cheadle, and lots more

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh

Written by: Ted Griffin (III) from George Clayton Johnson & Jack Golden Russell's original 1960 story

Genre: Action/Comedy

Our Rating: 9 out of 10

So, you are a red hot director on the popularity scale, fresh off the successes of two of the biggest movies from 2000 (Erin Brockovich and Traffic), and you're looking for your next project. What do you choose? Some people would not tackle a project featuring as many A-list stars as possible to fill out the cast, but not Mr. Soderbergh. Not even 40 years old yet, this guy is making his way up the food chain quite fast, and not looking back. And everyone in Hollywood wants to work with him! A good example is Ocean's 11, a remake of the 1960s classic which starred a couple of guys named Sinatra, Martin, Davis Jr., and Lawford. This 2001 update stars some great new and old faces in Soderbergh's repertoire: Clooney, Pitt, Cheadle, Garcia, and Roberts. From beginning to end, this film entertained the hell out of me!

I have not seen the original yet (I will now after seeing this one) but from what I have read, the films seem similar, at least with the basics. Danny Ocean (Clooney) is fresh out of prison. So what does he want to do next? Attempt to pull off a huge heist involving three big casinos in Las Vegas! So he tracks down "the pro" (Pitt) and the rest of his team (11 men, which obviously is where the title comes from) and the rest of the film follows them through good and bad, as they formulate there intricate plans and right on up through the big night. The film has enough surprises to keep you guessing in the end and the cast of superstars works extremely well together. You can tell that they had fun making this movie, and enough of that comes off the screen to give you a good feeling as you watch the film.

Clooney and Pitt stood out in this one, but that is not to say that their presence overshadowed anyone else, because it clearly does not. I would love to see them in another movie together! One other item of note, many people may be surprised that Julia Roberts has very little screen time here. This movie is all about the guys, and while she is great in her (maybe 15) combined minutes on screen, she clearly takes a backseat in this one. Another high recommendation for a Soderbergh film. With a PG-13 rating it should be pretty audience-friendly too. Now I can't wait for his sequel to sex, lies, & videotape.

I saw this film at the Tinseltown theaters on upper Peach Street in Erie.

PROs: The best casting you could imagine, funny, and smart. Entertaining from start to finish!

CONs: One or two jokes with the Malloy brothers (Casey Affleck and Scott Caan) I think this movie could have done without, and of course everyone wants to see Julia more, me included!

(01-1208)

related links:

Ocean's 11 - official site