I think it’s a requirement to include Ocean’s Eleven on any heist movie list. Although I badly want to dislike Clooney and Pitt, and their cooler-than-thou attitudes, I just cannot do it. Let’s face it – Ocean’s Eleven remains one of the best contemporary heist movies, bar none.
When I say “original,” I am not talking about the frankly dire excuse for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack to hang out, but the highly enjoyable excuse for George Clooney and his Rat Pack to hang out. Ocean’s Eleven has all the ingredients that we want from a ice-cool heist movie: great baddie (Andy Garcia at his smarmy best), cast of eccentric and clever criminals (my personal favorite is Elliot Gould), a lot of good-looking men in suits, and the perfect take: ripping off a Las Vegas casino. No one can feel bad about seeing a ludicrously wealthy industry beaten at their own game.
All great heist movies require a strong plot – and if they include twists, those twists had better be believable. I have to admit that I was guessing throughout this entire film. The charm of the leads might carry it, but without the very clever plot construction beneath there would not be much to say.
It gets further points for not dwelling too long on Clooney being Clooney – every member of the team has an important role to play and gets their due. While the sequels became increasingly ridiculous and confusing – although still fun – Ocean’s Eleven is at the top of the genre.
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