Ocean's 13 & The Grand Lake

First things first: I want my money back for Ocean's 12. That movie was easily one of the top 13 worst movies I've seen. I want money back for the ticket I bought, the gas I used driving to the theater, and the emotional damage done to me after being caught completely off guard by horribleness.

Went to the movies yesterday with my ma. It was real hot out so we decided to cool off by attending a matinée. Went to the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland. I encourage everyone to see a movie at this theater. The main theater downstairs is fantastic. The decor is very beautiful with a retro theatrical feel. In addition, a curtain rises as the movie begins. There is also a live Organ player on weekends. Not to mention the FREE popcorn to every customer seeing a movie Monday-Thursday, day or night, in the month of June.

As far as the third installment: better, but not that great. I think the 'Ocean's' series as whole is overrated. I enjoyed Ocean's 11 and although this one wasn't fantastic, it gets ranked #2. (Primarily by default. Hell, I would have given the nod to Little Man or The Lion King 1 1/2 before Ocean's 12) While watching this movie I noticed several aspects that made the film both good and bad.

Let's start at the top shall we? There is no other way to put it: Brad Pitt and George Clooney (jury still out on Matt Damon) are some cool cats. I am not gay (not that there is anything wrong with that) but they just got something going on in these movies. Their wardrobe, (suits rarely accompanied with a tie, give a casual yet suave and sophisticated look), poise, and demeanor are all very cool. I wasn't really feeling all the jokes in the movie but most of the others in the theater were. Not necessarily because they were funny but rather because it was Pitt and Clooney making them. I feel as if the other viewers knew the jokes were only sometimes comical but always laughed anyway because it was Pitt or Clooney delivering them.

This movie revolves around the similar premise of those that came before it: the gang gets together and robs someone. And in the process there are jokes, great disguises, and clever scenes and lines.

To be honest, I think part of me resents this movie because the producers and writers realize they can have a very predictable and simple plot and still make millions because of the cast. They can just get all these people together and figure the rest out later. However, I will admit that the cast is great especially those that aren't the 'stars' such as Casey Affleck and Scott Caan. Then you add Al Pacino AND get rid of Julia Roberts? Lovely.

13 provides little to no surprises and at times, is rather slow. There are no significant action or suspense moments but maybe that is the movie's M.O. Of course there are little funny things here or there but the movie is just based on wit and outsmarting someone else.

I am curtailing this entry because I have come the realization that I am not that big of a fan of these movies because I am jealous. Jealous that all these guys get paid for robbing hotels, wearing great outfits, filming in Vegas, and being cool, some super cool.

Who am I too judge these people on something that I would love to do. I'd take their job in a heartbeat.

Wouldn't you?