Special New Year's Eve Mini-Review by Tim: Ocean's 11 (1960)

This Rat Pack classic turned 50 this year, and much of the action takes place on New Year's Eve, so I thought it might be nice to take a glance at it today.

Here's the story: a group of army veterans led by Danny Ocean (Frank Sinatra) plan to knock over five Las Vegas casinos in one night. They plan the heist-- and get the dough. But after a somewhat less-than-clean getaway, they have to find a way to smuggle the money out of Las Vegas. When the crew finally manages to rob the casinos on New Year's Eve, you think they're in the clear. Then when they hit a snag, their bad luck only seems to get worse.

First, let me just say--this movie is very slow. There isn't a whole lot revealed regarding the heist plot until about the halfway mark. Then, once they knock over Vegas, the film presents a pretty unsettling twist ending. In fact, the first time I saw this movie, I didn't like it. I managed to get into the story, I enjoyed the acting, I was excited by the heist itself, but the payoff--like the end of Rocky--left me in the cold. However, just like Rocky, the more I see it, the more I appreciate it for what it is. And here's what Ocean's 11 really is: fun.

I once heard someone call this movie "two hours of watching Frank Sinatra and friends have fun." That is a very accurate assessment of this movie. Being a Rat Pack movie (and arguably the best one), it's made up of witty moments, wonderful songs, and you can clearly tell that Sinatra, Martin, Davis, Lawford, Bishop and company are all having the time of their lives. These guys are cool and they know it.

Angie Dickinson plays Danny's somewhat-estranged wife who know's Danny better than himself. Her performance is remarkably emotional and her chemistry with Sinatra is palpable. You only see she and Sinatra's Danny at the end of their marriage and somehow, they manage to make you genuinely wish their relationship had worked out. Richard Conte and Caesar Romero also add tremendously to the exceptional acting in the film.

If you haven't seen it-- or if you've only seen the 2001 remake with George Clooney-- give this one a rental. It's a fun heist movie that'll keep you guessing-- AND make you wish you could hang out with the Rat Pack.

I give it 10 casinos out of 11.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Coming to Spoiler Alert in 2011:
Comics and a NEGATIVE review! (oh snap!)