I was not particularly excited to see Ocean's Thirteen. I can sum up the reason for this in two words: Ocean's Twelve.The Ocean's movies are fairly featherweight affairs, and any sudden jerk away from the charisma-fueled semi-camp really only reminds the audience that they're watching something substance-free. I know this will displease my colleague Particle Man, but the Julia Roberts-playing-someone-else-playing-Julia-Roberts gig was ill-advised. I can understand the whimsical intentions behind such a move, but the same logic that leads the characters to say, "Hey, doesn't Tess look like Julia Roberts?" should also lead them to say, "And don't I look like Brad Pitt?" That and an ending that rendered the rest of the movie irrelevant combined to make for one unhappy reviewer.
So it was with that mindset that I sat down for Ocean's Thirteen, completely ready to skewer it. To my surprise, however, (and, admittedly, chagrin), there wasn't much skewer-worthy here. There wasn't much praiseworthy, but at least there wasn't much skewer-worthy.
At this point, you should be aware what's going to happen: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Shaobo Qin, Bernie Mac, and Carl Reiner get together to perform a heist. The odds seem completely stacked against them, but they pull it off anyway. The end.
There are a few specific differences in this film: The Ocean's gang teams up this time to steal stuff from Al Pacino, who's opening a new casino, and who screwed over Oceanite Elliott Gould in the process. Gould suffered a myocardial infarction as a result of the screw-over, so it's a revenge-job propelled by guilt over Gould's shaky health.
They do neat stuff en route to this goal, I guess, but it's all becoming pretty old hat by this point. In fact, the moments that stand out as great are the moments peripheral to the plot (Clooney and Pitt watching Oprah, for example).
But you know what you're getting from these movies at this point: a cavalcade of stars, some nifty stunts, a bit of inspired whimsy, and a fairly forgettable plot. And because Thirteen nimbly avoided the pitfalls that plagued Twelve, it comes out of the deal with a 5.
7 comments:
just to set the record straight, i'm aware the Julia Roberts stunt in 12 was way over the top. i appreciated the originality of it, however, and didn't bother to apply too much logic to it. i'm not sure you, DW, should have applied logic to it, either, as it was the sort of hammy move that gets a smile, but doesn't stand up to scrutiny. actually, all 3 Ocean's movies are like that. i think you understand this, DW, but when you're watching them, you gotta check your left brain at the door.
Kinda seems like you should take your own advice PM about Amelie. Great Review DW! I have been wanting to see this movie. I am a fan of the Oceans movies for when I feel like watching fluff and no substance. And thank you for pointing out that thing about Julia Roberts, it was not that original since they had Julia Roberts in the cast anyway. And why didn't they have everyone else play who they really are, that would have thrown everyone for a loop.
I know, unfortunately I've yet to master the subtle art of selective brainendectomy.
In all seriousness, though, the matter is simply that every different person has a limit as to how far they'll stretch their credulity. The Julia Roberts bit passed it for me.
And I appreciate your advice to PM about Amelie, but I see a significant difference: I didn't enjoy 12 because my brain was engaged enough to be upset by illogic; PM didn't enjoy Amelie because his brain was over-engaged in searching for hidden meaning (I assume).
(I realize that I sound a bit like Dr. Deuchebag von Arroganthead in this post; just know that's not my intent.)
pretty much, DW. i was very aware that you and SP enjoyed Amelie very much, and that it was one of WLC's favorites. when it was over, i felt as though you were a great joke that i just didn't get. you know that feeling when someone tells a joke to your group of friends, and you're the only person who doesn't get it? they all think it's the funniest thing they've ever heard, but you're feeling more stupid by the second. magnify that by about 3, and you'll understand my feeling.
I totally get it, PM.
For what it's worth, I remember thinking Amelie was good, but not great, on my first viewing. But I think it's the sort of movie that grows on you the more you see it.
Imagine showing The Princess Bride to someone who'd never seen it. They'd think it was a decent movie, but they'd be baffled as to why you're all agog over it. I think it's partly the familiarity with the characters that makes it such an enjoyable experience.
Wait a sec... isn't this an Ocean's Thirteen thread?
Yes, this IS an Ocean's 13 thread!
Anyway, nice review. I pretty much agree with your evaluation. I was pleasantly surprised as well, and also enjoyed the "aside" moments very much, that were not crucial to the plot.
One nice thing is that their motivation this time around wasn't mostly money, it was avenging a friend who was wronged. That added a slightly different dimension.
One not-so-nice thing was the fact that there's so much lost in these films. Between the numerous characters, subplots, and quick one-liners of a lingo we aren't quite accustomed to, I was disappointed with how much went over my head. I felt like there were a number of loose ends by the time it ended.
But still, a fun ride. It's like a carousel. Attractive to the eye, fluffy, predictable, yet not a bad time.
That is the prefect analogy for the Ocean's movies. But 12 is like too much cotton candy that leaves you slightly queasy when all is said and done.
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