Oceans apart...

Arthur J Pais

Even before the screenplay for Ocean's Eleven was discussed, director Steven Soderbergh had warned the producers that the film would not have gore and blood spill.

Soderbergh, last year's Oscar-winner for the grim drug drama, Traffic, wanted to make a light-hearted and breezy film, even though it revolves around a $150 million heist from one of the most secure vaults in America.

The vault, located 200 feet underground, holds enough cash to cover the chips in play at three major Las Vegas casinos, all owned by the unscrupulous Terry Benedict. The heist is planned on the night a heavyweight championship fight is on.

True to his intention Soderbergh has delivered a bloodless and entertaining film. Though the plan to steal the money is quite preposterous and too complicated, you get the feeling right at the start that you are expected to enjoy the film without questioning it.

The industrywallahs had predicted Ocean's Eleven would be a box office hat-trick for Soderbergh, who was nominated in the best director's category for films last year -- Traffic and Erin Brockovich.

But Ocean's Eleven has opened beyond industry expectations, grossing $39 million in three days. It has also set a record for Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, who won an Oscar for Erin Brockovich and has a small but alluring role in this film.

But two veterans -- Eliot Gould and Carl Reiner -- who steal the show in a cast filled with charming rogues.

Saul Bloom (Reiner), a crusty old professional, relishes new challenges. Watch him create a situation so that he could get into Benedict's inner circle. As the credits roll at the end, you might wish that Gould and Reiner had bigger parts. The former should make Hollywood sit up and think why he is so underused.

George Clooney, who co-produced the film and helped keep production costs down, charmingly plays the title character who is just out of prison but itching to go on another mission. But this time, it is also personal. His former wife, Tess, has joined a corrupt casino owner Benedict (Andy Garcia) in Las Vegas. Ocean wants not only the millions but Tess (Roberts), too.

Initially, Reuben Tishkoff (Gould) does not seem interested in the stealing scheme. But when he hears that Ocean is after Benedict, the man who had deposed him (Tishkoff), the bejeweled old money bag decides to join in.

Charmed by Ocean and convinced he can somehow make things work out, the men start penetrating the security maze and often improvise daring moves when unexpected challenges seem to thwart their audacious plan.

Winsome performances abound but Clooney stands out as the mastermind. Matt Damon plays a pickpocket while Brad Pitt is a cardsharp looking for a challenging job.

The film is a remake of the popular 1960s film of the same title that starred the Rat Pack (led by Frank Sinatra). It is certainly more glamorous, humorous, engaging and satisfying than the original.

CREDITS
Cast: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, Elliot Gould and Carl Reiner
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Screenplay: Ted Griffin