a delightfully inventive artsy masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (25 April 2005)

When I heard there was going to be a sequel to Ocean's Eleven, I thought "oh great, just another way for Hollywood to squeeze all the money it can out of an old idea." But when I saw it my jaw dropped. This is not as good as the first, it far surpasses it.
I for one thought the cinematography was brilliant, the most inventive there has been for quite a while. This is a feast for the eyes, a veritable banquet of colour and imagery, with Europe as it's perfect backdrop.
The writing was superb. Far from the confusing mess I have heard it described as, the plot is rich and full, with enough meat to keep the mind well active as it is being entertained. The movie was smart and funny without taking itself too seriously (e.i. Julia Roberts pretending to be herself). The situations were, at times, unbelievable even absurd, but what point is there in a movie that does not stretch the bonds of reality just a little bit. If you want real life sit on a street corner and observe.
The music was prefect for the movie, in stuck the exact right chords in the exact right places. it fit in to the over all feel of whimsy that was prominent through out film.
As for the acting, there was no weak link. Matt Damon in particular was fantastic. I love the seen in the restaurant were Pitt and Clooney are talking in a fake code, Damon did exactly what he was suppose to do and produced a adorable, lovable character, without taking it too far, or taking himself too seriously. My advice to you is, if you want a typical mainstream movie, better save your money for Pirates of the Caribbean 2, but if you want a delightfully inventive artsy masterpiece Ocean's twelve is the one for you.