After successfully robbing five casinos in one night, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his crew of thieves have big problems. Despite pulling off one of the biggest heists in Las Vegas history, the members of the gang have already spent much of the money they stole. Casino owner Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) demands that Ocean return the money, plus millions more in interest. Unable to come up the cash, the crew is forced to come together to pull off another series of heists, this time in Europe. (1)
Review
Hello, Movie Buffs!
It was only a matter of time until director Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich) helmed a sequel film to his 2001 remake, Ocean’s Eleven. I heard that the success of the original Ocean’s films started to decrease with each added sequel film. However, this is not the case for Ocean’s Twelve (2004). Soderbergh gives us an extended plot by focusing on flashbacks, stylish set designs, and a different sense of humor.
Ocean’s Twelve continues 3 years after Ocean’s Eleven (2001), where the crew robbed casino owner Terry Benedict. Now, Benedict is out for revenge by personally demanding the money they stole be returned within 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the only way for the crew to get the money is by completing a series of heists throughout Europe. I am glad that the filmmakers chose this story route rather than another cliché casino/bank heist. In doing this we are given a story that is filled with witty dialogue, a different sense of humor, and fast pacing.
The set designs and settings of Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, and Italy’s Lake Come were well chosen and stylish. The cinematography was clever in that it made great use in highlighting the settings and translating the humor effectively. David Holmes (Ocean’s Eleven) has composed an incredible music score that carries a 60’s retro lounge feel that was overall perfects for the film’s theme.
The performances from the cast were all around great. George Clooney (Money Monster), Brad Pitt (Deadpool 2), and crew had fun reprising their previous roles. Andy Garcia (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) returns this time as the wronged casino owner now out for revenge, Terry Benedict. Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich; Wonder) is wonderful as Danny's wife, Tess, and it was funny to see her become part of Ocean’s crew. Bruce Willis (Death Wish), who turned down Garcia's role in Ocean’s Eleven, gives a great cameo as himself in this film. Catherine Zeta-Jones (Red 2) is amazing as Europe’s successful Interpol inspector on everyone’s tail. She also makes the role feel and look elegant with leather coat, high heels, and always perfect hairstyle. It was interesting to see her also be Pitt’s love interest. French actor Vincent Cassel (Black Swan), as the elegant and arrogant thief Night Fox is a highlight for this film, while fellow European actors Robbie Coltrane (Harry Potter as Hagrid) and Jerome Krabbe (The Fugitive ) also gave some great supporting appearances.
Overall, Ocean’s Twelve (2004) is a fun and comedic heist sequel of a different quality. With Eleven and Thirteen being casino heists it is nice that the filmmakers chose to go a different route for Twelve. While Ocean’s Twelve does not deserve Oscar worthy high praise, neither is it worthy of scrutiny for being a feel-good kind of film. If you enjoyed the previous Ocean’s film then you will enjoy this one.
"If, God forbid, anything does happen to you, we will not be involved."
- Reuben
Final Vote
Worth Seeing: 8.4
Worth Buying: 8.4
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