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 rather 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, ambitious and unscrupulous Pacino. So, from relaxed entertainment, Danny and the gang have reached a 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)

The first film had heart, the second was empty, but its formal style was excellent and, with the help of the same ensemble, a quality musical score, and meticulously crafted details, it was still relatively watchable. The third one is the worst. It's not as big of a leap as between the first and second parts, but Danny Ocean's team is really struggling for the third time. The new face in the form of Al Pacino is definitely a plus, but this time the plot is even more convoluted and relatively unexciting and sterile, which is a big minus. Even the formal aspect is not as interesting as before. For fans of gentlemen in Armani suits, with gold rings on their fingers and big wads of banknotes in their wallets, it's a watchable and very average. For everyone else, it's already a quite worn out and exhausting rollercoaster ride that runs out of steam even while putting together the unbeatable heist plan. (31/01/2008)

This was basically a mush that has been thickened with finesse and grace. The Ocean's saga always used to be about the same thing and the third piece isn’t exactly an exception. The actors are doing solid work and they’re the trilogy’s main currency. But that’s about it. I wasn’t really even that excited about this movie and in the end, it was a decent two-hour relax. But without any significant emotions. (26/05/2013)