Jon Monsarrat review: OK, but they're not really trying

Rating: 5/10 (29 December 2004)

I enjoyed the first film, Ocean's Eleven, but the tension is gone from Ocean's Twelve. I think everyone's having too much fun with the self-parody and there isn't much thrill and danger in the film. There is a badguy who isn't really that bad. There is a love interest with no real chemistry. A good cop passes up a chance to do something good. It's unclear why Ocean's Twelve agrees to take on the movie's premise rather than just scattering to the winds and hiding. The "funny" bit with Julia Roberts struck me as self-absorbed as stupid.
The plot is convoluted and hard to follow, especially as it is partly hidden from the audience for effect. And when the scheming is revealed it seems really unnecessary. This film reminds me of Gone In Sixty Seconds, and The Score, two heist films also lacking the important element of a heist film: tension!
Who should see this film:
-- You. With this many stars, you're going to see it anyway, I can't stop you. But remember I told you so when you don't like it. :)
-- Cat burglars who are retired now, really. Well, maybe one more job. :)
I'll give Ocean's Twelve a disappointing 5 out of 10. Let's hope they do better on Ocean's Thirteen.