Monday 11 June 2007

Ocean's 13 - the good, the bad, the mediocre

Howdy people....Another day, another dollar...well, had a mixed weekend, got to jump out of a plane with a pretty lady so it wasn't too bad really...Saw Ocean's 13:

It's an improvement on the self indulgent fluff of the second one but it's no masterpiece...

Yet again it's the George and Brad (and a little bit of Damon) show - no complaints from me - the too cool for school buddies work well together as Danny and right hand man Rusty, staging sweet revenge on Al Pacino's perma-tan casino boss Willy Bank, after Bank screws affable Ocean's veteran Reuben.

Ocean and his gang, with the help of Eddie Izarrd (he turned up in the second one - why oh why...), spend the first half of the movie finalising their plans to break The Bank, Pacino's ultra-yuppy new casino. The set-up chops along at an ok pace but its not really engaging...And there's a wierd scene where the boys contaminate a hotel reviewers room...mind you the brothers in Mexico ('tache-a-rific) is a laugh....

With the second half comes the job - and the audience is safe in the knowledge that, despite a few close shaves, Ocean's team will deliver. And its not badly done (apart from a dodgy parawing jump...urgh), though the smooth ensemble appeal of the Ocean's franchise may wear thin for some by this point....It's fun, it's flashy, everyone knows the outcome...few surprises here...

The acting's not bad, Pacino and Matt Damon are very good, and the movie has some genuinely funny moments (who knew crooks liked talk shows?) - thankfully it is a testosterone only affair (the ladies get cut early on) and has the same 60s/70s background groovyness as Ocean's 11. It's a film that's all about the glittery, yet arid style of Vegas - lightweight fun, no brain power required - though unless you're a major fan I'd probably rent it.

5 comments:

SMARTBuddy said...

Sounds good. Get any Transformers trailer action? I might have to go to see Pacino, I didnt know he was in it.

Em said...

Yup to Transformers....Slightly meatier trailer than the stuff I've seen online, I'm not sure who's who though, they've changed the both sides...Looks stunning, if you haven't caught any of it yet.

S said...

Sounds like you had an exhilarating weekend.

I've seen the good, but haven't bothered with the bad after the poor reviews and won't be rushing to see the mediocre because I feel I should see the bad first.

Em said...

Take up skydiving, it rocks.

Didn't think there was much good knocking about atm...though Zodiac looked quite interesting...ha but you could go shopping and pick up Hot Fuzz...I certainly will if the bank balance allows it. Oh, watched Point Break the other day as well..one of those films you know you shouldn't keep watching but you're compelled...it was both naff and action movie gold.

Jenny! said...

My fav...no brain power required!