Ocean’s Twelve (released in theaters on December 10, 2004) takes the winning formula of its predecessor, Ocean’s Eleven, and playfully twists it, delivering a film that is less about the perfect heist and more about the dazzling charisma of its ensemble cast. It’s a sequel that confidently avoids a simple retread, instead opting for a stylish, meta, and globetrotting caper that is just as enjoyable as the original.
The film opens three years after the successful Las Vegas vault robbery as Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his wife Tess (Julia Roberts), Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), and the rest of the gang – including Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), and Frank Catton (Bernie Mac) – are enjoying their ill-gotten gains.
Their luxurious retirement is abruptly shattered when casino owner Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), the man they robbed, tracks them all down, demanding the return of the $160 million plus interest within two weeks, or face the consequences.
Forced out of hiding, the crew heads to Europe, where the less stringent extradition laws offer a glimmer of hope. They quickly discover the European heist game is overseen by the mysterious, brilliant master thief known only as “The Night Fox” (Vincent Cassel), who challenges them to steal a coveted relic—a Fabergé egg—first.
The stakes are raised further by Europol agent Isabel Lahiri (Catherine Zeta-Jones), Rusty’s former flame, who is hot on the trail of the entire “Ocean’s Twelve” crew.
The plot spirals into a delightfully complex and occasionally baffling series of double-crosses and unexpected character reveals, culminating in the infamous, hilarious, and fourth-wall-breaking “Tess as Julia Roberts” sequence.
The film’s greatest strength is its effortless style and the sheer joy of watching these A-list actors interact. Clooney, Pitt, and Damon share a palpable, casual chemistry that anchors the sprawling narrative.
While the structure is deliberately convoluted, it works because director Steven Soderbergh leans into the absurdity, making the audience an accomplice in the film’s cleverness.
It’s a highly enjoyable, sophisticated escapade that trades muscle for meta-humor, serving as a pitch-perfect vehicle for its legendary cast, including Carl Reiner, Elliott Gould, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Robbie Coltrane, Jeroen Krabbé and Albert Finney.
Bruce Willis and Topher Grace have cameos as themselves.
Ocean’s Thirteen, the final film in the Ocean’s Trilogy, followed in 2007. Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin joined the cast, while neither Roberts or Zeta-Jones returned.
George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt in Ocean’s Twelve (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Ocean’s Twelve
Ocean’s Twelve grossed $39.2 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $362.7 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Ocean’s Twelve is often overlooked, but its legacy lies in successfully evolving the franchise’s tone and proves that a sequel doesn’t need a bigger target; it just needs a sharp wit.
The film remains a top-tier example of an actors’ ensemble having fun and inviting the audience along for the ride.
