A Good "Fun" Film

Rating: 7/10 (30 December 2004)

Ocean's 12 ***/****
"Ocean's Twelve" is a heist/comedy/action film about twelve thieves who must pay back casino owner, Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) the 160 million dollars that they stole from him in the prequel, "Ocean's Eleven." Although Benedict's stolen money was fully compensated by insurance, he seeks revenge and his 160 million dollars back from Danny Ocean, (George Clooney) and his eleven friends.
The plot takes off right away when Benedict comes to Ocean's house demanding his 160 million dollars back in two weeks. The eleven thieves, led by Danny immediately assemble and discuss how they will come up with the 160 million dollars in two weeks. The funny thing is that at no time did any person suggest the idea of not paying Benedict back his money. After all they are thieves, and thieves steal things. But after the victim they stole from requests his money back, it is instantly assumed by all eleven thieves that they must pay him back? "Ocean's Twelve" has many plot holes and problems such as the one described above. But "Ocean's Twelve" isn't about a strong plot. What makes "Ocean's Twelve" worth watching is the star power, "cool style," plot twists, and funny witty lines, and characters.
Director Steven Soderbergh does a remarkable job of developing and portraying all of the twelve thieves (and several others) throughout the film. Each thief has a specialized area of expertise and a unique and often exaggerated and humorous character. For example Linus (Matt Damon) is the uptight, ambitious, nerdy but cool character who makes several funny and ironic comments in the film. At one point Linus comments to the other ten thieves, "I don't think we have to be the kind of organization that labels people." This statement is later followed up by a humorous discussion where Linus defends his morals and the rest of the group ridicules him.
As the film progresses many subplots and plot twists unwind. Some are very clever and interesting, but each plot twist and subplot drags the film further away from a strong working plot.
If you can put aside the complicated shaky plot and go with the flow of the movie, you will be able to enjoy the charm of the characters and the "cool" atmosphere of the entire film as a whole.
To get the most entertainment out of "Ocean's Twelve," focus not on what the character's are doing and stealing, but how they steal things and what they say and do in the process. "Ocean's Twelve" is not a masterpiece, however it is fun and entertaining if you play along with it and let it be.