Ocean's 13 review

I enjoyed this film. Not immensely, I feel Ocean's 11 certainly had the edge over this (the remake not the rat pack original.) But this was a lot better than the mess that was Ocean's 12. Things are certainly back on track here, I just felt the heist at then end of 11 was a little more satisfying in the pay off (false vault!)

I am a big fan of Steven Soderbergh, the director of this picture, and if you have seen Traffic, Erin Brockovich, Out Of Sight or Ocean's 11 you would have to agree that he can work wonders with colour, a camera and cross-cutting narratives. I loved the totals being won at the diferent tables being shown across the screen, a really nice touch, as so was some of the split-screen work.

There were many laugh out loud moments in Ocean's 13, I think I probably laughed more here than with the first two films combined. The revenge angle was good and it was great to see Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin together again for the first time since the under-valued Sea Of Love. And Al didn't shout! Not once!

These sort of pictures are just a lot of popcorn fun, there was a nice turn from Andy Garcia and you really find yourself wanting to spend two hours in the company of these characters. You also really want them to succeed. There were a number of good pay offs (literally!) and I think the Ocean book is now well and truly closed. But they went out in style and George, Brad and Matt make for a very enjoyable teaming this time round. Also good was Carl Reiner (Rob's dad!) and it was great to see David Paymer back on the big screen after what seems like an age. He is a wonderful character actor, and here played the very put upon diamond award representative. Loved him in Mr Saturday Night for which he was Oscar nominated.

So a good movie, but I think Ocean's 11 is stil my favourite.

3 and a half Ocean's out of 5