Just fun at the movies

Rating: 8/10 (15 December 2004)

This film has been way over-hyped, but it's also being way over criticized. Everyone disappointed that it falls short of the first one. I think the storyline from the get go informs you that it will be nothing like the first film. Just as the first one was a well planned heist, you have individuals who have "left the game" for civilian living, and they're forced to play again. So as it stands those that complain that the film was not a true caper film, who said it had to be? It is not Ocean's 11. It's a film with the same characters that find themselves with completely different given circumstances. Soderberg's chosen style of this film differs drastically as well. It's dirtier, considerably more raw photographically, and I think that is great parallel with the characters realities. You have to remember that in Ocean's 11, it wasn't a goal to go after a specific amount of money.
They focused on one job that offered a ridiculous amount of money...and now you've got characters that have little time and are forced to come up with a ridiculous amount of money. So they scramble, and they look for any way to come up with any amount of money they can. There was also a lot of "inside" jokes that weren't really inside for the cast, but for anyone who has travelled abroad and anyone that follows the entertainment industry.
Admittedly, I went in with way too high of an expectation and still came out enjoying the film. It was not what I expected, but I laughed a lot harder than I did while viewing the first of the Ocean's. And I thought Brad Pitt opposite Catherine Zeta Jones was just as intriguing as George and Julia were in the first. You couldn't help but smile every time they graced the screen together. All in all, it was just a good time at the movies! And the chemistry between all the guys and girls involved was just electric. So I recommend the film, and I recommend you listen closely instead of just absorbing what is shown to you.