George Clooney’s revised “Ocean’s 11,” as directed by hot property Steven Soderbergh, remains a glorified star vehicle programmed to showcase sparkling Hollywood A-listers at their most radiant. This one just works off of a marginally improved, yet equally convenient, screenplay. The concept remains the same, while the intrinsic details and underlying processes are better developed.
As in the original 1960 Rat Pack adventure, we still get a planned Las Vegas heist of three major casinos (in ’60, it was five) that store their funds in one vault underneath the regal Bellagio. Danny Ocean (Clooney), the mastermind and a recent parole, knows just the guys for the job. Together with his right hand man, Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Ocean assembles an Asian gymnast (Shaobo Qin), a skilled pickpocket (Matt Damon), an “”inside”” man (Bernie Mac), a surveillance wizard (Casey Affleck) and six more fronts to work the job.To truly enjoy Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s 11,” you need to buy into the Vegas mystique, as well as the notion that Clooney, Pitt and crew are sophisticated enough to deconstruct it. While there is something inherently cool about a stubble-faced Clooney swirling a glass of scotch in his rumpled tuxedo, it’s Pitt who comes off the most naturally suave. Julie Roberts, earning the easiest paycheck of her career as Ocean’s love interest, acts with her looks, which is what’s asked of her. And Andy Garcia, as Ocean’s rival Terry Benedict, turns in an appropriately oily but never over-the-top performance.With so many strong leads, though, one wonders if Soderbergh really needed 11? Some guys serve no purpose on Ocean’s team (I’m talking to you, Scott Caan). And several derailing instances go by unexplained, with more then a few accidents conveniently occurring to aid Ocean and his team along. Still, the heist comes off clean, and the twist is satisfying. In the end, people will visit “Ocean’s 11” to see some of Hollywood’s hottest stars shine in the flashiest city in America. Those not blinded by the sheer wattage should walk away pleased.Grade: B+THE EXTRASWarner Bros. doubles down on the studio’s new “Ocean’s 11” DVD, offering fans two screen-specific audio commentaries and two “Making Of” featurettes. With a four-of-a-kind this strong, it’s not wonder this DVD bets big.Let’s start with the commentaries. The first, a technical track, features Soderbergh and his screenwriter, Ted Griffin. The duo touches on all aspects of the filmmaking, from casting to editing to shooting in and around Vegas. Over on the second track, “11” stars Garcia, Pitt and Damon wax poetic on their experiences shooting the film. After a number of jokes at Clooney’s expense, the trip settles in. Though Pitt strives for a “Mystery Science Theater” approach, Damon – who dominates the track – keeps the group in line, and the track moving. As in the movie, the actors appear to be having fun, and the track provides insight and humor.The two “behind-the-scenes” are slick, produced pieces of promotional fluff, one from the fine folks at HBO (you know the type I’m talking about) and one, entitled “The Look of the Con” that deals with costume design. The DVD concludes with the requisite trailer, two teasers and cast & crew filmographies.Grade: B+OVERALL EXPERIENCE: B+The movie’s tagline asks, “Are you in or out?” Smart DVD collectors will vote in … right now.By Sean O’ConnellMay 6, 2002