Ocean’s Thirteen
Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Al Pacino, Matt Damon and more

Ocean’s Thirteen is all about the heist, or more specifically—the revenge heist. The lack of in-depth character analysis and love story drama works to the film’s advantage, leaving more time to focus on what we’ve all come to see—Vegas trickery and candid male camaraderie.

George and pals gather again, this time to pay back villainous hotelier William Bank, played by a gruff Al Pacino, for screwing over loveable Rueben Tishkoff (Elliot Gould), the man who first inspired the boys to break into the gambling game. Tishkoff and Bank were supposed to be partners in the next uber-upscale high-rise hotel on the strip, but in an evil coup, Bank forced him to sign away his share, resulting in Rueben’s massive stroke/breakdown/heart-attack—whatever.

Loyally, the gang decides to sabotage Bank’s grand opening, but when one member gets arrested, their powerful machinery breaks down, and when a labor strike breaks out at a dice-making factory, it doesn’t look so good. Will they be able to pull it off? Take a big guess.

The story takes place solely in Vegas, except for a somewhat ridiculous side-plot in Mexico—but Casey Affleck’s quirky role makes the scene work. And there’s more than enough fake body parts to go around. Matt Damon’s prosthetic nose makes for some infectious laughs and faux mustaches abound.

Ocean’s Thirteen may be light, but the lightness is what we all came to see. There are even some quips about the actors’ personal lives, George advises Brad to settle down and think about starting a family. Could this be referring to his, what—ten adopted kids? The film moves quickly and there’s just enough intrigue to keep you on the edge of your seat—if just looking at them isn’t enough.