Ocean’s 13 is the fourth consecutive sequel I have seen in theaters lately (Shrek 3, Spiderman 3, Pirates 3) and I’m starting to wonder if anything original will come out of Hollywood this summer. That said, Ocean's is definitely the best of the bunch.
Let’s face it…the film did not have to do much to accomplish something better than Ocean’s 12. I think even the actors would like to pretend that movie doesn’t exist. Fortunately Ocean’s 13 brings the crew back to Las Vegas, proving that the city is an important character in this series of movies. Al Pacino is added as Will Banks, the ruthless casino owner that cheats Reuben Tishkoff and causes him to have a heart attack. Revenge is costly as the group gets back together to pull off a heist and teach Banks a lesson. Even Terry Benedict gets involved.
There’s nothing new to see here, but if you enjoy the actors and the characters from the original, they are back in form and the film is entertaining. I personally enjoy the quippy dialogue and Soderbergh is a very talented director that adds something interesting in almost every scene.
Ocean has partnered with Benedict in order to get more money for their elaborate heist. Benedict intended to rip off Ocean by hiring Vincint Cassel’s character to steal the diamonds (fortunately we are spared his ridiculous gymnastics this time around). Of course they saw it coming and Benedict is not only left with fake diamonds, but Ocean donates his share of the heist to charity.
There is also a quip at the end made by Danny Ocean to Rusty Ryan that he’s had three kids since the last film. I wonder if that makes sense of some of the dialogue between them throughout the movie, or just a joke that Brad Pitt is now the dad to three kids in real life.
