Ocean's Thirteen

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Al Pacino

Back for one last score, Danny Ocean and his crew of deviants have to pull off a major hustle in this third instalment. They have now joined forces with their former enemy, Terry Benedict, who they had previously stolen millions from, to form a cunning plan to take down Willie Banks, who doublecrosses their infamous old friend, Reuben Tishkoff. Willie Banks’ newest hot spot is about to suffer a cold reawakening…

This new story gives meaning to the phrase ‘Boys will be boys,’ as we are left with the original eleven and the loss of the beautiful, yet unneeded, female accompanies that were Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta Jones. This does give way to the comical banter, cheekily added by Koppelman and Levien, between Rusty (Pitt) and Danny (Clooney) about their love lives. The heist which the thirteen must pull off is of an incredibly imaginative proportion that speaks volumes more about the writers’ skills than it did in the other two predating films. As is usual of the Ocean’s films, the cinematography is innovative and well-edited in a way that can appeal to the most scathing of film critics.

Known for its amalgamation of A-list stars already, the film clinches the deal by recruiting one of Hollywood’s legends, Al Pacino, into its ranks. And rightly done. Pacino gives one of his best performances in his career known to date, as the most despised businessman, reminiscent of his days back in the Godfather trilogy. The new addition of Ellen Barkin as the new attractive female in the story is also one to be noted, as she excellently plays out the role which she was given.

If you were disappointed by the sequel to the original, do not worry; this film pushes back down those eyebrows which were raised and finishes off the films nicely. Enjoyable for all, even if you are not previously acquainted with the two predecessors. A stunner!

Samilia Ekeocha