I mostly enjoy Ocean’s Twelve while also recognizing that it delivers diminishing returns compared to its predecessor. The shift to a European-set heist film makes for a noticeably looser, more meandering sequel—one that lacks the tight, effortless charm of Ocean’s Eleven. What keeps it afloat is the sheer star power of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts (especially Roberts, who shines in one of the film’s most memorable moments). This time around, the story feels less driven by a clever premise and more like an excuse to get the gang back together for another stylish adventure.
One of the biggest differences is how the movie sets its plot in motion. Where Ocean’s Eleven kept things clean and simple—pulling off an impossible heist in the heart of Las Vegas—Ocean’s Twelve opts for something messier. After successfully robbing Terry Benedict (Andy García), Danny Ocean (Clooney) and his crew find themselves being hunted down by their vengeful former mark. To pay him back, they’re forced into a trio of high-stakes heists across Europe. Along the way, they cross paths with a relentless Europol agent (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and a rival master thief (Vincent Cassel), making things even more complicated.
While the new setting brings a fresh backdrop, it also strips away some of the original’s charm. The dazzling casino floors of Ocean’s Eleven are swapped for the streets of Rome, Paris, and Amsterdam, but they never quite match the original’s effortlessly cool atmosphere. And while Benedict was a perfect antagonist in the first film, he’s mostly a plot device here, existing just to push the story forward rather than actively influencing it.
That said, Steven Soderbergh still does his best to make Ocean’s Twelve feel lively. His signature camera work and fluid, improvisational style keep things visually engaging, and he gets the best out of his cast. While the pacing and plotting are less crisp than before, there are moments of brilliance—none more so than Julia Roberts’s character Tess impersonating none other than Julia Roberts in an elaborate scheme. It’s a hilariously self-aware sequence that stands out as one of the most inventive moments in any of the Ocean’s movies.
In the end, Ocean’s Twelve feels bloated and somewhat unnecessary compared to the near-perfect execution of Ocean’s Eleven, but it’s not without its merits. The cast—also featuring Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Don Cheadle, Scott Caan, and Bernie Mac—still delivers plenty of fun, and even a weaker Ocean’s film is more enjoyable than most heist movies. While I’m glad they returned to the Las Vegas setting for Ocean’s Thirteen, Ocean’s Twelve remains an interesting, if flawed, experiment in taking this franchise in a new direction.
Score: 6/10
Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
- Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Andy García, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Elliott Gould, Eddie Jemison, Bernie Mac, Shaobo Qin, Carl Reiner, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vincent Cassel
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Rated: PG-13
- Release Date: December 10, 2004
More Reviews for Movies Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Cinephile Corner has reviewed the following movies directed by Steven Soderbergh:
- Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
- Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
- Kimi (2022)
- Magic Mike’s Last Dance (2023)
More Reviews for Movies Starring George Clooney
Cinephile Corner has reviewed the following movies starring George Clooney:
- Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
- Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
- The Tender Bar (2022)
- Ticket to Paradise (2022)
- Wolfs (2024)
More Reviews for Movies Starring Brad Pitt
Cinephile Corner has reviewed the following movies starring Brad Pitt: