In record time, I watched Ocean's Twelve, having just watched Ocean's Eleven last week. It's not as tight as the original, and the many tributaries off the main plot flow are a bit confusing, but otherwise, this was just as much of a joy to watch as the first one. The slight difference this time around is that the cast was definitely more comfortable with each other, so the sense of humor behind this movie was funnier and easier to laugh at. You can tell they still had fun, though perhaps not as much. This could have been more for the paycheck like so many other sequels.
And, of course, the boys go international. Fabulous places abroad, and a few heists along the way to pay back Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), after having robbed of millions of dollars the first time around. Only this time, it's about Rusty's (Brad Pitt) girl Isabel (Catherine Zeta-Jones) but for the fact that she's a Europol detective, and about a turf war and the egos of thieves. Just who was that dashing French guy?
Again, this is pure entertainment for the sake of it. Nothing too fancy. The script was less smart this time around, but these big celebrities have a wonderful rapport. And George and Brad and Matt are so easy to look at. And wicked cameos from Bruce Willis, Albert Finney, and a repeat from Topher Grace. The best part of the movie was the in-joke that Tess (Julia Roberts) looked like, well, Julia Roberts. It might've been a gimmick, but it caught me hook, line, and sinker.
Yep, it's all about fluffy. And this one was cotton candy compared to the marshmallow that was the first movie.
I'll give this one an 8 out of 10 - minor flaws as stated but otherwise good stuff. This movie passes the test. I'll buy it when I buy the other one.
If they're making a Thirteen, I hope it's not crap. I can see this franchise rapidly declining, especially if the core cast doesn't come back.