Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

Overall rating from 1 to 100: 74

O Masterpiece (95-100)
O Excellent (75-94)
X Good video rental (60-74)
O Merely OK (50-59)
O Pure mediocrity (30-49)
O Medusa: don't watch (1-29)

Review by Jason Pyles / June 8, 2007

Finally, we get a good sequel for summer of 2007. After losing big with “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004), Soderbergh returned to form, closely mirroring the original movie, even down to the plot.

You’ll remember that “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001) was a perfect-crime-heist-caper where Danny Ocean’s cronies humiliated and robbed Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). Well, “Ocean’s Thirteen” is a similar story, except the crew is taking on a different jerk, Willie Bank (Al Pacino).

The infamous double-crosser Willie Bank is finishing a super-mega casino that’s bigger and more lavish than anything else in Vegas. In the final stages of its completion, Bank betrays Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), whom you will recognize as one of Danny Ocean’s co-conspirators from the first two movies. This Benedict Arnold treatment wreaks havoc on Reuben’s ticker. Consequently, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his crew aim to get even with Bank.

“Thirteen” has all the witty banter, the snacking Brad Pitt, the impossible odds and scenarios, humor, cleverness and satisfaction of “Ocean’s Eleven.” This third movie does omit Tess (Julia Roberts) and Isabel (Catherine Zeta-Jones), because, we’re informed, that “this is not their fight.”

My only real qualm with “Thirteen” is the crew’s inexplicable undying loyalty to Reuben. There are brief scenes that try to establish his significance in the lives of a couple of characters, but I still didn’t buy it. But who’s complaining? After “Spider-Man,” “Shrek” and “Pirates” Parts 3, this movie is a relief.

Is “Ocean’s Thirteen” worth seeing? Basically, if you liked the first movie, you’ll be pleased. And if you didn’t like the second movie, you’ll be pleased.

Directed by Steven Soderbergh
George Clooney / Brad Pitt / Al Pacino
113 min. Crime / Comedy
MPAA: PG-13 (for brief sensuality)

Copyright 2007.
JP0127 : 264