Despite the non-linear structure, funky soundtrack and A-list cast, there are better caper flicks out there - but it's engaging nevertheless

Rating: 6/10 (22 December 2004)

Ocean's Twelve reunites an A-list cast with powerhouse director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Erin Brockovitch) for another caper film with even more twists and turns than Soderbergh Ocean's 11 (2001), and a decidedly non-linear structure.
It's been three years since the original Benedict casino heist. Danny Ocean (George Clooney) is married to Tess (Julia Roberts), Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) is an embattled hotelier, and the others are living separate lives. Unfortunately Benedict (Andy Garcia) has tracked the 11 down  he wants his money back, with interest, in 14 days or they're dead.
While on reconnaissance in Amsterdam, Rusty catches up with an old flame, Europol detective Isabel (Catherine Zeta Jones), while the team's targeted by a snarky French cat burglar (Vincent Cassel). Ocean's Twelve transcends a relatively formulaic plot by re-structuring the way events are played out  no surprise considering screenwriter George Nolfi's previous offering was the non-linear indie film Timeline. On several occasions we see the results of the crime before it is carried out. As in Run, Lola, Run and, more recently, Hero, a scene often needs re-telling to arrive at the truth of the situation. And several scenes which initially seem designed only to showcase the actors' talents are later shown to have significance. All this sleight of hand might seem confusing, but the film doesn't play that way. It just reinforces how cheeky these aristocrats of the crime world really are.
The soundtrack is excellent, full of Tarantino-inspired toe-tapping numbers, enough to make anyone want to turn to crime. Although the final scene is ordinary, and you may have forgotten the entire experience the following day, you'll enjoy watching Ocean's Twelve. ***/*****stars.