Ocean's Thirteen Review

I think perhaps Mr. Ocean, as Terry Benedict calls him, summed it up best. "Well it sure as shit ain't sad." That's what Ocean's Thirteen is. It's fast, it's clever, and it's classy. But the biggest thing...is it memorable?

Alright, the story is much simpler than, well, BOTH of the previous movies. Basically, Ocean and gang want to rig a new casino, because the owner of said casino, Willie Bank, screwed over Reuben, you know, the likeable sort of overweight guy who has those huge glasses, so the gang wants to rip off Willie Bank by making him lose money on his grand opening night which if you didn't know is July 3. Okay, deep breath. Yeah, like I said, the story is LESS complex than the last two films. And as Martha Stewart says, it's a good thing.

Hmmm, what to say, what to say. Well for starters, the cinematography and art direction are in top form here. Soderbergh's style is infectious, and he has the ability to weave a stunningly sophisticated heist web so, well, stunningly. The handheld camerawork, comedic zooms, and flashy cinematography all work to the film's advantage, and Soderbergh knows it. I think one of the best parts, if not THE best part, of the movie was the montage sequence with the framing of the screen. You'll find yourself completely enthralled by that sequence, which is what the goal of movies is in the first place, right?

The acting is, well, it's pretty good. I mean there are some very predictable moments, but for the most part the script holds up. Al Pacino is probably the highlight, giving a great performance, though not quite "tour de force." Still, the script was surprisingly light, unlike the last two films, which were almost overwrought at times. But like I said, it's classy, it's quick, and it's light. We are now focused on robbing a casino, just as the first film got us. It's an A-list cast, all who retain characters exceptionally well.

The one thing I must say I was very impressed with was the digital placement of The Bank. That may be the single best CGI object in any movie, ever. It looked absolutely and completely real. I kept asking myself, "Did they actually build that in Las Vegas?" Obviously they did not, but my complete hats off to the digital artists. You fooled me, and you fooled everyone. Very nice.

There are a few troubles I do have, of course. The script, as I said, isn't really lacking, but it isn't flourishing. I understand after the near-catastrophe writing that was Ocean's Twelve, the team took a back-to-basics approach. Still, where was the insane ending that I've come to know and love that the first films had? I mean, yes, the ending is quite cool, but wasn't it a little predictable? Also, with the back-to-basics, it all gives the film a sort of safe feeling. I mean, sure, some films sort of go for broke and fall flat on their face (most of the Harry Potters, Pirates 2 and 3, The Da Vinci Code), but you've still gotta take risks (Crash, Memento, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill). I just wanted a little more. It's a hard feeling to describe. But I think if you see the film, which I recommend you do, you'll understand.

Also, the film really has no heart. Besides that one guy who they completely screw over, and Reuben's sickness, which magically heals, there really is no emotion. I guess the high-class nature makes up for this lack of depth, but if they keep spinning out films like this, I think people will start to tire of it. It's still working, but you can see it fading slightly.

Now I know most people are going to say this is their favorite. Me? Hmm...no, I can't. I've still got to give it to the first one (the remake, though the original 1960 one is a classic). I guess nothing can really match what the first one brought. It wasn't critically acclaimed, but I watch it over and over and never get tired of it. Still, this one's a close second, and that's still a good thing (thanks Martha). Oh, and the Oprah bit? Hilarious...absolutely hilarious.

Very tough scoring, but I guess Oprah's got me...

4/5