Review of Syriana (2005) by Clark B — 10 Aug 2010

The "Ocean's Eleven" movies may have finally ran out of steam. In this latest installment, inexplicably named "Syriana", the usually unflappable Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, looks bloated and in need of a good shave. He's really let himself go and his fashion sense has went all to hell.

Matt Damon's character has changed too - here he is saddled with a wife and a couple of kids - and he's not as funny as usual. He's downright dour, and that amiable chemistry between Damon and Clooney is gone. Of course we also watch this series for the well choreographed heists, but even here the movie suffers. This time it's an attempt to knock off some oil shieks and the Beirut Hilton, I think, but the screenplay is pretty convoluted. Honestly, I'm not sure how they expected to pull it off - they hardly did any planning at all - and the payoff disappoints. In addition, the violence is jarringly graphic for a caper film- they rip Clooney's fingernails out for heaven's sake- and the tone is oppressive with the delightful Don Cheadle nowhere to be found.

They did stock this entry with a fine all star cast, as usual, but it doesn't have any of the magic found in the other "Ocean" films. I won't spoil it, but the ending is a real downer, trust me. Maybe it's time to retire the Danny Ocean franchise. At the very least, it needs a reboot. Frankly, I don't like where they're going with these characters. Two stars.