Ocean's Twelve

Plot Summary

Three years after a major heist in which Las Vegas casinos were robbed the gang responsible have gone their separate ways. Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), the owner of the casinos, not only wants his money back but he also wants three years interest. He has managed to track down the members of the gang and tells each one that in return for the money they can live!

Danny Ocean (George Clooney) rounds up the gang as they need to find a job to cover the cost of repaying Benedict. They decide to go to Europe because they are too well know in the USA. In search of some rich pickings the gang fly off to Amsterdam... 

Review

Ocean's Twelve is the sequel to the slick entertaining thriller, Ocean's Eleven. Sequels rarely live up to the originals but it was encouraging to see that the director and the original cast were back. With such a high profile cast this was an achievement in itself but unfortunately it wasn't enough. It's not enough for the big stars just to turn up because they alone can't make a good movie. There was a sense of arrogance or self-indulgence about the whole thing. There is no doubt that the talent was there but nobody seemed to be trying that hard and it felt as if these guys just wanted an excuse to have some fun and take a holiday in Amsterdam and Rome!

Some of the clever dialogue that was in the first movie is still there and there is some funny banter between the gang members as they argue and talk over each other.

When it comes to the plot the original movie was not without its flaws but this time round the lame story is so full of holes that it becomes farcical. It is as if there isn't much heed given to the credibility of the story and in the end things are "explained away" just to wrap things up and put some sense to the story. The pace of Ocean's Twelve is a little erratic. After a slow start it begins to pick up but just when things start to get interesting and when the momentum is building it changes pace again, losing the suspense and interest that was generated.

The Bottom Line: Retains some of the sharp dialogue that was in the first movie but is not half as slick or as cool as it thinks it is. The story is silly and there is no action, tension or suspense. A lazy effort!

If you enjoy Ocean's Twelve you might enjoy: Ocean's Eleven, After The Sunset, Confidence, Swordfish, The Score.

Reviewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2005.

RELATED MOVIE REVIEWS: STEVEN SODERBERGH: Erin Brockovich,  Ocean's Eleven.  GEORGE CLOONEY: Intolerable Cruelty,  Ocean's Eleven,  The Perfect Storm,  Welcome To Collinwood.  BRAD PITT: Ocean's Eleven,  Spy Game,  Troy.  MATT DAMON:  The Bourne Identity,  The Bourne Supremacy,  The Legend of Bagger Vance,  Ocean's Eleven,  The Talented Mr. Ripley.  JULIA ROBERTS: America's Sweethearts,  Erin Brockovich,  Mona Lisa Smile,  Ocean's Eleven.  CATHERINE ZETA-JONES: America's Sweethearts,  Chicago,  Intolerable Cruelty,  The Terminal.  ANDY GARCIA: Confidence,  Twisted, Ocean's Eleven. DON CHEADLE: The Family Man,  After The Sunset.  BERNIE MAC: Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.

Genre: Thriller

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Certificate: Ocean's Twelve was rated 12A by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie).

Official Movie Website: Ocean's Twelve

~ Main Cast ~

George Clooney

Brad Pitt

Matt Damon

Julia Roberts

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Andy Garcia

Don Cheadle

Bernie Mac

Elliott Gould

Vincent Cassel

RATING

ONLY IF YOU HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO