OCEAN’S TWELVE

OCEAN’S TWELVE retains the first movie’s stylized gleam, relaxed performances, quick dialogue, and natural chemistry. Steven Soderbergh’s camera movement, use of color, and effective pacing keep the movie lively even when the plot becomes clumsy.

The tradeoff is suspense. The heist becomes almost an afterthought as character interactions move to the fore, and the pieces slide together too effortlessly to be very exciting. More importantly, the heroes steal and lie while the “bad guy” is the person who wants his stolen money returned. The movie does not present this as realistic, but it still lightly glorifies a thieving lifestyle.

Adults may find entertaining caper mechanics here, while younger viewers may absorb or misunderstand the wrong lesson. Watch it only with adults who can recognize that crime is not a desirable way of living.

After their Las Vegas heist, Danny Ocean and his band of expert thieves are tracked down by the casino owner they robbed. He gives them two weeks to repay him, so the crew heads to Europe to attempt another heist.

But a detective is following them, one cohort ends up in jail, and another thief keeps beating them to the punch. The odds seem insurmountable—but the gang has a plan.

Three stars means a stylish, entertaining film with clear weaknesses. The acting is relaxed and fun to watch, and the quick dialogue lets the cast’s natural chemistry illuminate even some clumsy plot twists.

Soderbergh’s direction is captivating, especially in the camera movement and use of color. The pacing is effective and never gets bogged down or too slow.

The weakness is suspense. With less focus on the heist and more on character interactions, the heist becomes almost an afterthought. The pieces fit together too effortlessly to be very exciting, making this not as good as the first film.

OCEAN’S TWELVE presents a strong pagan worldview in which stealing appears more profitable than work. Its heroes steal and lie, while the person who wants his stolen money back is treated as the “bad guy.” The movie’s topsy-turvy morality is not presented as realistic, but the thieving lifestyle is still glorified somewhat.

The film does not offer a sound moral framework for its characters’ behavior. Younger viewers need to be told plainly that crime is not a desirable way of living, and really young viewers may be confused by the message.

Scripture gives a clearer command: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15).

OCEAN’S TWELVE is stylish, brisk, and enjoyable for adults who can keep its criminal fantasy in perspective. Its language and glamorized treatment of stealing make it unsuitable for children and young teens. Our answer is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For family viewing, choose something else.