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George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Ellen Barkin, Al Pacino, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Eddie Jemison, Shaobo Qin, Carl Reiner, Elliot Gould. Action adventure. Written by Brian Koppelman & David Levien. Directed by Steven Soderbergh.

FILM SYNOPSIS: In the fanciful sequel to Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve, Danny Ocean and his gang reunite for their biggest heist yet. Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin join the cast in this elaborate caper.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Though the script is non-linear, sometimes challenging to follow, director Steven Soderbergh maintains a lively pace incorporating a gleeful sense of humor with funny gags and several edgy twists. Sadly, while the film avoids most crudity, there are three profanities (the misuse of God’s name, or Christ’s). And lest you think I’m condoning a movie about thievery, let me assure you that the scenario is so far-fetched, it can’t be taken seriously. That said, these are characters who live outside the law, and in the last two outings, they pulled off an elaborate crime, as well as other felonies, without paying a price. And they're all really cool while doing it. If you find a movie that glorifies crooked behavior objectionable, even if it is done so tongue-in-cheek, you might want to pass on this one.

Video Alternative: To Catch A Thief. A reformed burglar (Cary Grant) must capture a copycat or go to prison. Beautiful Grace Kelly aids him. I use this film as an alternative to a lot of caper films of today due to the fact that although the lead character had been a thief, he now sees the error of those ways. But even more than that, my suggestion comes from the fact that it is one of the most elegant movies ever made. Not only are Mr. Grant and Ms. Kelly about as good-looking as humans can get, but the film itself is quite stunning. The look, the sound, and the use of Monaco’s location are elements each superior to just about any film I can think of. Add to that Hitchcock’s tight, sophisticated direction and the audience finds itself totally immersed in the story. While Hitchcock presents some rather sexy encounters between his stars, he’s suggestive but never vulgar. It proves more alluring than today’s graphic handling of screen sexuality. There’s something more captivating here, more mesmerizing than any other of Hitchcock’s films. I’m not saying it’s a better film than Vertigo or North By Northwest, but it is certainly one of his most hypnotic efforts. A few minutes and you’re hooked, unable to click the remote. This hasn’t come from just the fine performances. Nor from the camera work. It is that indefinable something that makes an auteur superior to a mere director.

Distributor: Warner Bros.