Ocean’s Eleven (2001) Review
Movie remakes are everywhere. Film producers will re-make anything from Bewitched to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. What is more difficult to fine, however, is a re-make that is actually worth watching. The exception to the rule: the 2001 version of Ocean’s Eleven.
For the most part, the plot is the same as that of the 1960 original of the same name. A group of eleven men attempt to rob a number of casinos in one night. Minor details have been changed, mostly to deal with the technological advancements that have occurred between 1960 and 2001, but the plot is not the most important aspect of this film.
The original film was a theatrical vehicle for the Rat Pack, not only stars individually, but friends in real life as well. This movie being a success relied on the charisma of the actors more than anything else, and the assembled cast of the re-make does a fine job of brining that to the screen.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt do a wonderful job as the leads, with a natural chemistry that is impressive. Rounding out the cast are celebrities like Julia Roberts, Matt Damon and Bernie Mac.
The movie also succeeds in bringing the excitement of the casino to the big screen. As soon as the eleven go into Vegas, the movie is lights, music, and a barrage of imagery that leaves viewers stunned and amazed. It is the screen version of the casinos.
This is one re-make that not only does justice to the original, but may even surpass it’s source.
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