Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Andy Gracia
Dir.: Steven Soderbergh
Country: USA
Genre: Crime, Caper

This is probably one of the most “studioish” films that finds its way into my favorites. It completely uses its star-power as a crutch, but its done so with complete awareness, which really mends all wounds. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Soderberg is at the helm, putting together not only a coherent caper film, but one that drips with style.

There’s nothing in this film that lingers longer than it needs to; no unnecessarily long dramatic scenes of backstory, romance, drama. Everything is there, says what it needs to say and quickly moves onto the next bit of narrative that needs to be tackled. This really makes for a face-paced watch, which, really, in a caper film, isn’t that the point? From start to finish it moves at the pace of a card shark’s slight-of-hand. And don’t think there isn’t some slight-of-hand happening in the direction as well.

But let’s be honest… the reason you’re going to watch this film or stay the hell away from this film is its massive roster of A-listers. It’s cast is like a greatest hits compilation delivering the greatest hits from yesterday, today, and tomorrow. For some just the names Clooney, Pitt and Roberts is enough, but really the reason the film works so well is that it’s wisely constructed supporting cast is so good. Casey Affleck and Scott Caan are terrific actors and work so well together to fulfill the purpose of their roles in such a fun way. And that really goes for the whole cast, which unfortunately became the downfall of Ocean’s Twelve and Thirteen. But in this first of the series it’s a hoot to watch everyone having so much fun with their roles, it really contagious. It’s not ground-breaking by any means, but it’s entertaining up the wazoo.