Ocean's Eleven

A big portion of entertainment for big money; that simple equation, which rarely works out for filmmakers, has worked brilliantly here. The all-star cast has a chance to properly show off, the script doesn't let up with its barrage of plot information and pleasant humour, and Steven Soderbergh coaxes this artificially stylized bunch with his traditionally effective directorial touch, though ironically his filmmaker's qualities in a such mindless a flick are a waste... But let’s be happy for that ;) 80% (16/06/2012)

I haven't felt this good in a long time. A comedy from the world of thieves in the most elegant presentation. Traffic was indeed amazing, but here, you can see that Soderbergh wanted to take a directorial break. The film is neither frantic nor slow paced. It moves along in a relaxed manner that suits both it and the audience. There are no unnecessary scenes to prolong the film. There is also no unnecessary action, flashy camera shots, explosions (actually, there are a few, but there's no megalomania), and God forbid, car chases. I give the benefit of the doubt to those who say that it doesn't matter if the casino is eventually robbed or not. It's all about how it's done. Cunningly! This is the only word I can think of. Perhaps a bit too much and it’s cinematic, but it's not about art, but about entertainment. Hats off to you, Steven Soderbergh. The ensemble cast doesn't deliver Oscar-winning performances, but it's evident that everyone is having a good time, just like the director. Even Andy Garcia, who I kind of felt sorry for because I have him pegged as a positive protagonist. I considered Julia Roberts a sympathetic addition to a great film. Like I said, I haven't felt this good in a long time. Two hours in the company of a great cast working on one great job. (02/01/2005)

Steven Soderbergh in his best period (at least in my opinion) follows two "relatively serious films" with a terrific diversion that teems with star actors, occasionally offers some pretty awesome dialogue, and feels incredibly fresh and brisk. There's a bit of that "playful directing" effect present here, and I dare say that all the protagonists must have enjoyed the filming in every way (at least that’s the impression I got). A suspenseful crime comedy with themes of "the greater good", Soderbergh gets an A plus for this one. (11/10/2013)

I don't think I'd rob Las Vegas based on this movie (and that's an important variable I expect from heist movies), but making movies like this for the enjoyment of the filmmakers and the audience is nothing I'm opposed to. But notice how, with such a clever band of eleven main characters, Soderbergh allows each to play a single acting part and so together they actually add up to one character in terms of acting. Simple and funny. (15/02/2011)

A pleasant spectacle that certainly does not aspire to a revolutionary shift in the genre of "thief" films, but fills all the typical clichés and the traditional narrative framework with ease and a certain elegance, which greatly helps the ironic subtext of the whole film. If there's one thing that bothered me, it was the lengthy introduction in which the traditional "recruiting" humor doesn't work very well (how much funnier The Ladykillers is in this regard!) and the vast difference between the distinctive performances of the stars and the bland characters of the lesser-known members of the eleven. Soderbergh managed to film 116 minutes of brisk, pleasant and relaxing entertainment, which, while not breathtaking, is guaranteed not to spoil the evening. (03/01/2005)