Ocean’s 11

Filed Under: Film, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review

 

By: The Dweeb

 

 

DVD Features Video: 2.35:1 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0 Audio Commentary Documentaries Theatrical Trailer DVD-ROM Features Film Highlights Theatrical release: 2001 DVD released on 05/07/2002 by Warner Bros. Running time of 116 minutes Starring: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Elliott Gould Director: Steven Soderbergh Plot: Danny Ocean (George Clooney) likes his chances. All he asks is that his handpicked squad of 10 grifters and cons play the game like they have nothing to lose. If all goes right, the payoff will be a fat $150 million. Divided by 11. You do the math.

 

 

Ocean’s 11 is a loose remake of the 1960′s rat pack movie of the same name, helmed by Steven Soderbergh. In keeping up with the original lineup, they throw in today’s modern version of the rat pack, and end up with one entertaining movie. Bring a tub of popcorn, and hang on for a great ride.

I watched this movie without seeing the original, so I’m not sure how much has been borrowed from it, but I really liked this one. The writing was clever, and the cast had so much chemistry between them , it really worked out well. Billed as a caper movie, where they hatch an elaborate plan to rob the Bellagio Casino, it slowly develops into what is really a revenge film. Danny Ocean (George Clooney) is basically pissed that the big shot casino owner Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) stole his then wife Tess (Julia Roberts) from him. So the best way to get back at him is to steal all his money, and Tess while he is at it. I thought that part of the plot was a little kooky, but then again, so are the odds that these guys actually made it through this whole thing unscathed.

The cast in this film is filled with huge Hollywood heavyweights, I’m surprised it didn’t get weighed down by that much ego. It was obvious that Clooney and Garcia were basically playing themselves, there wasn’t much substance there, but I liked everyone else. Heck, even Julia Roberts did an okay job here, normally I don’t expect too much from her. The rest of the cast is full of some funny characters, all quirky in their own way. How does Brad Pitt end up in these kinds of movies? Or is it Brad Pitt that makes these movies clever and quirky? Maybe its his acting style that I like.

The interaction between all the players make this fun to watch. A good example is during the break in of the vault they can’t get the remote to blow the explosives, and Linus (Matt Damon) asks if he checked the batteries. So they finally get it to work and when they enter the vault, Yen (Shaobo Qin) who has been waiting inside proclaims “What took you so long!” The squabbles in this film make me chuckle.

Sound and picture are excellent on this disc. I really like the musical score that accompanied this film. A jazzy, big band sound that recalls the days of the original rat pack and Vegas, it sounds really nice in the background. I have no complaints here.

Where I do have some complaints however, is the rest of the DVD package. Where is everything? Please correct me if I am wrong, but the back of the case clearly states there are 3 trailers on here, where the hell are they?? I can’t seem to find them. The only features on here are the 2 commentary tracks, HBO first look documentary and cast film highlights.

This is the only problem I have with this DVD. It is poorly packaged with few features. I guess I’ve been spoiled with other films who have tons of stuff on the disc. Other than that, the main meat and potatoes is great, meaning the film is great, so I can forgive it for having few features. But because of this minor inadequacy, I can’t give this DVD my full blessing.

Reviewer’s Opinion: RENT IT!!