Ocean's Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen (Incl. Master of The Heist 45 Min Documentary) (4 Disc) [Import - Region 2 DVD

Ocean’s Eleven is the best of the trilogy, and also superior to the original Rat Pack film that it’s a remake of. Here, we’re introduced for the first time to Daniel Ocean (George Clooney, who effortlessly charms his way through all three films with real style) and his group of fellow cons (including Brad Pitt and Matt Damon) as they try and pull off a daring casino heist. It’s a thrilling, immaculately packaged slice of Hollywood entertainment, and easily stands up to repeated viewings.

The first sequel, Ocean’s Twelve, is a mess though. The first half sets things up nicely, introducing further themes of competition and revenge, but it then pulls a blistering stupid plot device around half way through and never recovers. There’s still plenty to enjoy, but it’s a real missed opportunity.

Ocean’s Thirteen finds the gang in much finer form though, and the addition of Al Pacino to the roster as the new villain of the piece does it no harm whatsoever. The focus is back onto a single job, and while it’s light on twists, it’s still a breezy caper that’s hard not to warm to.

Packed with big name stars, and directed on the whole with real skill by Steven Soderbergh, the Ocean’s Trilogy is--the middle film excepted--testament to just how much fun watching movie stars doing their thing can be. A boxset well worth investing in. --Simon Brew