PG-13 for brief sensuality
Directed by Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve, Traffic and Out of Sight)
Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Al Pacino, Elliot Gould and Ellen Barkin
Ocean’s Thirteen is total fluff and yet pretty entertaining.
The last time we saw Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his crew, they were paying back ruthless casino mogul Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) after stealing a few millions. It's been a while since they've all been back together, but that’s all about to change. Reuben Tishkoff (Elliot Gould), who is the mentor/father figure to Ocean and the guys, builds a hotel with known casino owner Willy Banks (Al Pacino), but Banks screws him out of the deal, leading to a pretty serious heart attack. Danny and the crew decide to repay Banks by not only stealing his money but ruining his hotel/casino’s opening night.
Make no mistake about it, the only value Ocean’s Thirteen has…is entertainment value…and that’s not a bad thing. With a cast that reads like the “Who’s Who” of Hollywood, a powerful director, and a fun and clever script it was a fun two hours. No preaching, no hidden agendas, no political motivated monologues…just a really cool, entertaining movie.
So pop some popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is one scene that goes a bit too far when Linus (Matt Damon) is seducing Abigail Sponder (Ellen Barkin). Although there is no nudity, there is plenty of “sensuality.”
Then there is the whole idea of “Good Guys” vs. “Bad Guys,” or in this case “Bad Guys” vs. “Really Bad Guys.” I know that Ocean and his crew are criminals and I know they are stealing from bigger, meaner, ‘badder’ criminals but I hate when we don’t have a true hero to root for. So if your kids see it…use the opportunity to talk about what it means to be the “good guy.”
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
