Review of Ocean's Eleven (2001) by Tim M — 22 Dec 2013

Featuring an all-star cast of some of Hollywood's finest, Ocean's Eleven does a lot of things right. First of all, it doesn't hurt that the story has already been tested by the original film and that it's a very traditional heist film in many ways. It wouldn't be too outlandish to even say that this film codified the genre for the newer generation. All the right elements are there: introducing the main crook, making the audience like the said crook, bringing in the challenge, the impossible, gathering the crew, meeting the mark, the preparations, the twists, the solutions and the personal victories. It's all there, nothing in it is really new if you have seen the films that came before - although there are some refreshing non-conventional elements - but it's all done with such professionalism and done so well that it feels just right. This is what a heist film should be.

The cast is of course easily the best part of this film, how could it not when you have such talents as Clooney or Pitt bringing in their A-game. Still, a special mention should go to Andy García, playing the part of the casino owner Terry Benedict. He's just such a delightful slimeball that you cannot help but love hating him. The stiff upper lip, the neglectful way he treats his girlfriend, the way he looks down his nose at you - the man has it all and García's delivery is so good, so very very good. Easily my favourite character in the film.

The rest of the film is solid. Nothing really stands out, aside from the characters, but it's all above average and the total whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

In the end, what we have here is a good movie and one of the best heist movies ever made. Easily worth a watch if you like good characters, clever twists and films that keep you entertained from the start to the finish.