Ocean's Eleven

Ted Nugent called. He wants his shirt back.

A review by Mike Shea Movie Rating: ( * * * * · ) DVD Rating: ( * * * * · )

I've been a Julia Roberts.

Capers are capers. Studios throw them out a few times a year to fill in the niche, but neither the studios nor the audience expects much from them. Drivel like The Limey perhaps, a caper can be sharpened with a new edge. Take the stories of the three original Vegas robberies told early in the film. Not only are they slapstick funny, but even the music helps spell out exactly what time period the would be robbers chose for their demise.

What else does the movie have going for it? How about Julia Roberts. Still, it holds together well and gives us a fun little robbery.

The DVD of Ocean's Eleven is a solid cut. It contains a 2.35 to 1 16x9 enhanced transfer with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. There are two commentary tracks, one with Steven Soderbergh and one with the cast. There is no DTS track available, but the Dolby Digital track does a fine job. If you end up as a fan or don't mind a more light hearted movie next to your Criterion copy of Traffic than it's not a bad disc to own.

Ocean's Eleven is a good movie. In a word, it's fun. It has an entertaining directing style that fills in the gaps we find with the acting and the characters. It won't change the world, it won't change your life but it will certainly entertain all but the most hard edged movie snobs. Give it a shot.