Nice Entertainment

Rating: 8/10 (14 December 2004)

I am a bit exasperated and even a little disappointed at the mixed reviews for "Ocean's Twelve". The 60% score registered on RottenTomatoes' scale works as well as any to reflect the division within critics' ranks. Generally these are the films most worth viewing to determine how in the world such a large spread of opinion exists.
Unless I am mistaken, the adult American moviegoer is a relatively well informed consumer. To that point, I cannot recall a single moment in any of the pre-release marketing blitz for "Ocean's Twelve" that indicated we had Oscar-contending material, great emotive acting or social impact/political value here. And since this is essentially "O.E. II" what major surprise might it be that what we have here is a great goof? Let's examine some facts.
The plot: Terry Benedict (we are treated to another Andy Garcia portrayal), victimized Bellagio owner of the first movie, wants his money backwith interest. He leans, in succession, on all the original members of Danny Ocean's (George Clooney) eleven teammates. And of course the note is due in an impossible time frame. A lot of cash will need to be stolen, and fast. So the original "O.E." team needs to be reassembled to pull some more capers.
What the team also finds out in short order is that not only are they being tailed by a resourceful (and strikingly  Katherine Zeta-Jones) international policeman but are also threatened by a master thief (Vincent Cassel as Francois) that wants to top them in every way. So our boys have to buck up and try and fend off all manner of adversity as they pursue their less than honorable  "does anyone have any moral issues about this?" is asked early on  goals.
This is not a flick filled with Bond-like gadgets or even the usual heist-focused set ups. But there is just enough of that to whet the appetite. The elaborate set up in their first caper, beginning with a shot of a sailboat at anchor and then penetrating it's eerie appearance to see what is going on below gives just enough of a head scratching high-tech look (and isn't it all about "the look"?) to satisfy.
One-liners and quips are expected and by rights a necessity not overlooked in "Ocean's Twelve". And knowing glances. Lots of glances. Let's face it; this really is a hip collection of talented individuals. Most of us aren't, couldn't be and probably don't even know one. Well, here is a whole room full. I suspect most critics are jealous; always have.
Listen to Elliot Gould's line when surprised at an interruption during his visit to a fortune teller. Watch K. Zeta-Jones turn in the only real emotional scene. It is actually quite touching. Having played the somewhat hard-bitten and driven law enforcement pro, she offers a bit of vulnerability for us to savor. See Brad Pitt grimace when he finds he's made a mistake.
Check out two interviews (there are many available) to share the sheer fun these stars have and consider how lucky we are for their collaboration. See what George Clooney says (http://www.darkhorizons.com/news04/ocean1.php) about caper movies. Better yet, check out the ensemble interview at http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=79148&ran=247675 in which we sense the fun this group had and continues to have.
In all, we are offered what we expect  a smart caper film with some of the best in Hollywood delivering the goods. There is no political message here, no social axe ground nor remarkable signature or auteur offered; I trust you to relegate those criticisms for the art-house films and the annual launch of Oscar contenders as 2004 winds down. What we have here is a nice entertainment for the holiday season!
Rating: 3-1/4 Stars.