OCEAN'S ELEVEN (2001) *** This is only a great movie in the sense that it attains a nearly immeasureable standard of "coolness." Which means that it succeeds on every level contended. For the most part portions of the plot straining credibility and rationality are successfully curtained with highly developed pathological tributaries directed straight at that which is meant to be concealed. It's a great trick, dizzying ninety degree turns back towards what you're not supposed to be looking at, and often the momentum just takes you too far to look straight properly. I've always liked George Clooney as an interview, he's clearly one of the best people in Hollywood to settle down with for a few pints, but never thought much of his acting. Here he's specially fitted into a role created for another actor with similar limitations, and comes up roses. Initial concern that Brad Pitt would dwarf a cast of names known beyond their abilities was misplaced; for one thing Pitt isn't the hero and has always had more difficulty on the periphery and for another none of the characters are particularly developed anyway, instead largely relying on what we already know about the actors (Julia Roberts is really good and will do the right thing). Still, Pitt's line about anyone calling a doctor is absolute perfection, George Hamilton-level preoccupation with self-possession and the necessity of brevity in communications with the external world...and you can't get much better than that. Ok, so down to the real question....with all these guys, and Carl Reiner, Matt Damon, Elliott Gould, Bernie Mac, Scott Caan, Casey Affleck, Edward Jemison, Shaobo Qin, and Joe La Due....who wins the acting joust? I have to go with Andy Garcia as a truely dispicable Vegas gangstah, he has too much money left even after being robbed and no one this side of misogynism could possibly want him to ever get the girl. It's always been easier to cheer for criminals outside the law than within it. Ah to direct a cast and script like this, all you'd have to do is tap the keg.
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