Slick and Fun

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2001)

I had to check to make sure and I found out I have seen seven of Soderbergh's films, and they were all good. The least impressive film of his five last was Erin Brockovich and that says it all. Soderbergh doesn't make bad movies.
For once, Robert Altman's movie of the year does not hold the most important cast. I think it took nearly one hour before the last star was introduced in Ocean's Eleven. George Clooney is perfect in his role as the mastermind. He is constantly compared to Cary Grant, but he is more than Grant ever was. Pitt continues his row of cool roles, while Andy Garcia makes a a cruel and slick villain of the kind audiences love. The only objection I have to the cast is why they had to bring in Julia Roberts. Her role is so small and uninteresting, she just seems like wasted money.
The film is an elegant and clever robbery flick. It is not of the most complicated of the genre, but you will have to be attentive to understand all the plot points. The usual characterization of the movie is that the eleven thieves "rob three casinos". This is misleading as they only make one robbery. I believe the vault they were going after contained money from all three casinos, which makes the catch phrase sort of unnecessary.

This film is pure entertainment, and it is not going to be on the Academy's lips - but I believe that was never the intention. Enjoy!
Rating: 8/10