Just the same as the others...

Rating: 7/10 (29 June 2007)

Ocean's 13 is the ending of one of the most successful series in recent years, and it finishes it off much the same as the rest of the films: fun, tricky, and completely free of deeper meaning or value.
I am a fan of both of the previous Ocean's films. I seem to be just about the only person who really enjoyed Ocean's 12, but I thought it was probably the funniest of the three. Ocean's 11 definitely remains the best of the group, as well it should, and 13 is probably my least favorite. But that doesn't mean it wasn't any good. It was fun and funny throughout.
The story is simple- at least for an Ocean's movie. One of the gang, Reuben falls deathly ill after being screwed over by Vegas tycoon Willy Banks (Al Pacino). Therefore the crew set out to destroy Willy by making his newest and grandest casino (the one he was supposed to share with Reuben) a flop. And they pull out all the tricks, some ingenious and some just absurd.
The film was fine, and that was all. I didn't leave it raving or excited, but I also certainly didn't leave it disappointed. Except for one thing: Neither Julia Roberts nor Catherina Zeta-Jones was present for this film, and that was disappointing as they were my favorite parts of the other two film. Without them, the guys are just okay entertainers in my opinion. I will say, though, that Ellen Barkin did a wonderful job in her (unfortunately) small part. Of the guys, Matt Damon was probably my favorite.
So, the Ocean's films end with satisfaction and humor along for the ride. I don't really understand the raving that this one was so much better than the others, because, in my opinion, they're all on the same level. I'm very glad this series was made, but I'm also glad it's ending. Three films is enough. 7/10 stars!
Jay Addison