Nothing special, but still enjoyable

Rating: 8/10 (10 December 2001)

No, this film won't win an Oscar or anything like that. But I have a feeling you'll enjoy it.
The plot, admittedly, is pretty predictable, at least until the actual heist attempt starts. There is some interesting sleight of hand here that forces you to do a mental rewind, not unlike "The Sixth Sense" and its surprise ending (at least for those who didn't wrack their brains for half the film to figure it out early). The plan of the heist itself is pretty far-fetched, which does help to heighten your anticipation as to whether they can actually pull it off. Entertaining? Yes. It's still the weakest part of the film, but it's still fairly good.
Not that the plot matters, really. The assemblage of actors here more than makes up for it. There is nothing flashy about the performances here -- they're simply played well, very straight-faced, very every-manish (or dare I say, "Bruce-Willis-esque"). The gang as a whole is an interesting and entertaining mix, and it is these caricatures here that make this film enjoyable.
This film is not really a heist film, per se -- it's not about being suspenseful, but rather, much like the Rat Pack it hails from, it's about being smooth and suave. This cast does so in near-perfect fashion. There is a certain timing and tone in every bit of dialogue, and he who takes the time to analyze it sees just how well done this film really is.
Further reinforcing that this is not a heist film, it ends not with guns blazing but with...well, I'll let you see that for yourself. I've mentioned already that there is a lot of trickery involved with the heist, much of it hidden from the viewer as well until the end. I laughed out loud in the theater when the final trick was revealed, and then my rating of this film went up a couple points.
Those seeking Academy Award material may opt to wait for the DVD. But if you just want a couple hours of entertainment, this film shouldn't disappoint.
My IMDB rating: 8/10