| Reviewed by Ginger Toll (Cannes 2007) Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Ellen Barkin and Al Pacino
Studio: Warner Bros. The French Riviera has been abuzz all week about this one. Invitations and tickets to the screening went faster than any other film premiering here at the illustrious Cannes Film Festival. Might have a little something to do with the awesome star power associated with the Oceans franchise. The boys are back and with a (re)-vengeance. Reuben (Elliot Gould), the patriarch of the group, gets double-crossed by his supposed partner, Willy Bank (Al Pacino). Pacino is a more-than-welcome addition to the ranks of this elite cast which also netted Ellen Barkin for this installment, playing Al's right-hand woman, Abigail, head of hotel operations. Ocean's Thirteen is back in Vegas to do what they know best: put on a show. Filmed at the mythical Bank's Hotel, the sets are opulent, colorful and true to Hollywood form (e.g., filmed at Warner Brothers' studios in Burbank). Las Vegas also demands credit as a central character in the film. There's so much going on in this movie, I cannot begin to fully divulge all the twists and turns. As with the other films in this franchise, everyone has his job to do. Casey Affleck is great as a sweatshop worker intent on ensuring the dice are made "properly" enough by the Mexican factory to ruin Willy Bank. Affleck's conviction in urging his fellow workers to protest their wages and go on strike adds a hilarious sub-plot to the always complicated Ocean's tale. While not as convoluted as the previous flicks, Thirteen remains entirely enjoyable. This will be the final incarnation for the Ocean's crew if rumors prove true, but the ending left plenty of room for speculation. If it is indeed their swan song; Ocean's Thirteen is a respectable way to go.
The U.S. release date is set for June 8. | 
