**/****
Dir: Steven Soderbergh
2004 Color English 125 Min
Rated PG-13 for language
This movie is actually a lot like Be Cool: a sequel that I wanted to see, that never lives up to the original, which I really enjoyed. Everyone seems to have lost their coolness in this movie – except George Clooney and Brad Pitt (and even Pitt doesn’t have much to do). The story revolves around the gang who pulled off the big heist in the first move has been tracked down by the casino owner who wants his money back. In order to get the money, they head to Europe to pull off some gigs, where it turns out some famous French thief wants to challenge Ocean and his gang to try and steal the same thing.
If the plot sounds forced, it is because it is. Not only that, but the plot is a little convoluted. You know you are in trouble when one of the stars ends up playing a character that has to impersonate the star that is playing the character. Oy, what a mess!
The movie is not completely without merit, as it was a nice escape for two hours, and some of the scenery in Italy is stunning. Ok, maybe because I like George Clooney’s new house.