Ocean’s Twelve (2004)

2007 #62
Steven Soderbergh | 120 mins | DVD | 12 / PG-13

This all-star sequel to the 2001 Rat Pack re-make received a thorough slating from critics on release, mainly thanks to its New Wave influences (which are only clear if you’re familiar with said cinematic trend), grittier approach (it’s less shiny-glossy more grainy-film-stock — hardly Bourne-compared-to-Bond gritty), and the feeling that the cast are having more fun than the audience (this one I’ll allow).

Aside from a few steps too far in the final act (such as Julia Roberts playing Tess playing Julia Roberts (funnier if it hadn’t been so specified), and the frankly irritating twist denouement) it’s still a pretty enjoyable film. But it’s true that the first is better.