When it turned into a remake of "Entrapment," I tensed up.

Rating: 6/10 (5 December 2001)

Steven Soderbergh is one of America's best directors, which is why it shocked me that he would willingly direct such easy entertainment. His success with "Traffic" at the box office proves that his usual analytical art can make a hell of a lot of money. "Ocean's Eleven" is an all-star remake of the 1960's Rat Pack classic about a daring casino heist. Not exactly "sex, lies, and videotape II," now, is it?
The first ninety minutes of the film is very entertaining as Soderbergh returns to the verve that he had with "Out of Sight" and "The Limey," with very good performances by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and a shocker from Bernie Mac. The first half of the film is stylish and surprisingly believable, but then descends into what can be referred to irrationally as a remake of "Entrapment", complete with sporty silver suits, and laser beam sensors. Soderbergh should have known better.
An even bigger bright note though: Julia Roberts is in the film and she doesn't smile once. There is a God.
*** out of 4