“The House always wins. Play long enough, you never change the stakes. The house takes you. Unless, when that perfect hand comes along, you bet and you bet big, then you take the house.”
– Danny Ocean (Ocean’s Eleven)
I didn’t know what to think when this movie first came out but I am glad that I gave it a chance. Ocean’s Eleven is not my favorite movie in the world, but it is one that is enjoyable and easily rewatchable. The cast alone warrants giving it a chance and within the first five minutes, if you aren’t a believer, I don’t know what to tell you.
Ocean’s Eleven is a remake of a movie with the same name and premise from the 60’s but it takes the times and culture into account. There is a little of everything for everyone in this film and I appreciate that there must have been quite a social balancing act taking place on set. Especially when you have that much talent working on a single project.
I loved the comedy, the interactions, and the high stress stakes and care free attitude of the protagonists and the “villain” is actually the victim. This is one of those movies where you are rooting for the bad guys, but are they really bad? And is the victim/target actually a good guy? Hard to say. Ocean’s Eleven offers a different view on heroes and villains.
Do not misunderstand. I do not endorse, encourage, support, etc., any of the illegal or criminal activities that take place in Ocean’s Eleven. That being said, there is no denying the intellectual nature of the film and the championing of thinking ahead and planning that goes into any complicated task. The level of attention to detail, coordination, planning, and foresight that go into the heist are a thing of beauty.
It also doesn’t hurt to have this many laughs along the way. Give this one a try and try to not laugh once throughout the entire movie. I dare you.
Journeyman's Legacy 