Ocean's Eleven (2001)
"Ocean's Eleven" (2001) is a heist film directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring an ensemble cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts. The plot revolves around Danny Ocean (Clooney), a recently paroled master thief who hatches an audacious plan to rob three of Las Vegas' biggest casinos simultaneously.
After being released from prison, Danny Ocean reunites with his close friend Rusty Ryan (Pitt), and together they assemble a team of skilled criminals to carry out the elaborate heist. Their objective is to steal over $150 million from the vaults of the Bellagio, Mirage, and MGM Grand casinos during a highly anticipated boxing match.
The team, consisting of specialists in various fields, including surveillance, hacking, and acrobatics, prepares meticulously for the heist. Each member has their unique role to play in ensuring the success of the operation. Among the recruits are tech expert Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), inside man Frank Catton (Bernie Mac), and grease man Yen (Shaobo Qin), who specializes in acrobatics and contortion.
The 2001 version of "Ocean's Eleven" stands as a rare gem in Hollywood—a remake that surpasses its predecessor. While not without its flaws, this film directed by Steven Soderbergh manages to captivate audiences beyond the star power it boasts.
The original 1960 version was a lackluster caper comedy, primarily remembered for bringing together the infamous "Rat Pack" rather than its storytelling prowess. It meandered along without a clear plot, failed to develop its characters, lacked humor, and struggled to generate suspense. However, when producer Jerry Weintraub, director Soderbergh, and actor George Clooney set out to reimagine "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), it turns out to be an entertaining endeavor that blends traditional heist rhythms with comedic moments, filled to the brim with fully-fleshed-out characters and well-written lines.
Release: 2001
Stars: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
