Ocean's Thirteen

These dice have been thrown so elegantly that, even though the same number appears on every side, it is still a pleasure to watch them fly to the end. Ocean’s Thirteen is an entertaining and charismatic flick that pleased me with Brad Pitt’s perfect suits, the sensually attractive MILF Ellen Barkin (doesn’t anyone have the recipe for that perfume?) and the skyscraper-hotel tycoon Al Pacino. Add in the perfect roles for Andy Garcia, Vincent Cassel and David Paymer, and of course Clooney’s smiling, cool-as-a-cucumber Danny Ocean. Steven Soderbergh did a great job with being in charge of a dozen stars, milking the potential of each one of them to the last drop, and even managed to chill while doing it. It’s not as amazing as the first installment (i.e. it’s easily forgettable and it’s enough to watch it once), but on the other hand, it’s easier to follow and more relaxed than the controversial second instalment. (30/06/2007)

The third trip with this irresistible bunch should be the last. I'm not saying that I won't miss them occasionally, but there have been too many coincidences already and in the end, there aren't that many surprises. The Mexican revolution will be the most exciting, and of course, the ambitious and unscrupulous Al Pacino. So, from relaxed enjoyment, Danny and the gang have turned into an easily digestible average. (08/08/2008)

I don't dare to give this a star rating because I gave up on the movie after a while. The whole Ocean's series didn't sit well with me, and I didn't rate the first one because it quickly evaporated from my mind. I gave the second one 2 stars, and if I found the determination to endure, the third one would probably receive the same rating. The Ocean's series looks up to legends like The Sting from a respectable distance. It may be because with Ocean's Thirteen, it's clear from the beginning who will win, and the movie doesn't have any significant twists or shocking revelations. Considering the multitude of stars, the budget, and the advertising, it's a very average movie for my taste. (09/05/2010)

Steven Soderbergh once again ventures into the same waters, and after a rather lackluster sequel, he decided to push a little harder this time and also inject some emotion into it. Of course, there are also new characters, with Al Pacino standing out quite prominently right from the start. This installment is the funniest of all three, even though it's driven by the rather simple character of a hotel evaluator. The return to a properly thought-out plan is the most satisfying part. It unfolds in the second half and it's great. If the second film didn't exist, it wouldn't be all that much of a disappointment. (01/03/2015)

A relaxing watch carried along again by the old customary crowd. Surprisingly, I didn’t much like Al Pacino (but maybe that was due to the badly chosen voice in the dubbed version I watched) and he even lost some of his wickedness that we know and love. On the other hand, I really enjoyed the end. I’m just pleased when a plan goes right. :) (09/05/2010)