Overall a wholesome, relaxed entertainer, just sit back, and enjoy!

Rating: 7/10 (10 December 2004)

Everyone 'thinks' before the movie starts that well, we'll crack the heist before Steven shows it on screen. So, you rattle your brain, try add everything around and start jumping to your own conclusions. The show I went for had a 15 minute break to accommodate a presentation of sorts, where most people were outside sipping cola. And everyone was coming up with their own predictions 'Oh, Lahiri is the twelfth. Terry Benedict is helping as the twelfth'.
The fact of the matter is, whether you are an Ocean's 11/ 12 hater or lover, the developments leave you a little surprised, if not confused. I'd say just keep the basics of Ocean's 11 in mind, but do not compare the two. The heist this time is more complicated, and they do not have as much time to plan or even think. They're on the run from the start. Obviously, end of the day you expect and get the group to pull of the heist, but credit must be given to the writers and director for keeping everyone in suspense, which at times frustrates also. Like, you want Julia Roberts to pull off the thing; (btw, her sequence sounds ridiculous, but when you see it, it's very neatly done!) you want the group to not be arrested, you want Zeta-Jones to be a thief; you want Danny and Rusty to be in control of the situation like in the first part- and all of this does not happen! Though, it's revealed in the end how they were 2 steps ahead of the brilliant Vincent Cassel.
Must admit was disappointed with the usage of some characters- thought that Bernie Mac, Andy Garcia and Elliot Gould could have been given more footage. At times it looks like they could not accommodate roles for everyone and have compromised a lot. I generally do not like him, but loved Matt Damon as the 'wannabe' kid! Very funny. Seasoned performers like Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts sail through their roles very efficiently. Catherine Zeta-Jones is adequate, and looks good. The director in Steven Soderbergh scores, but the efficient story teller is missing. Very slick, most of the scenes look classy.
The film is very easy on the eyes, and like some people have been pointing out, looks like the cast had a lot of fun doing it. In fact, the last shot when the party is on, it looks like it was a real party, and there were cameras rolling.
Do not be fooled by the negative publicity generated by certain sections of the media. If you are comparing this movie to a Citizen Kane- well, can't do much about it! Leave your brains at home, and enjoy this entertainer.
Rating: 3 and Â½ on 5