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Leading women are conspicuously absent from Ocean's Thirteen; Danny's Tess (Julia Roberts) and Rusty's Isabel (Catherine Zeta-Jones) are presumably back at home. ("It's not their fight," says Danny, early in the film, and they are not mentioned by name again.) Ellen Barkin has the only featured female role, as Bank's ambitious and licentious right-hand woman, Abigail Sponder. The absence of love interests actually works to the film's benefit by streamlining the story and placing the emphasis squarely on the camaraderie of the men and their efficiency as a team. The Ocean movies have always been the least indulgent and the most successful when they have stuck to an ensemble formula. By minimizing outside relationships, Ocean's Thirteen is able to focus on the way the group works together to protect a friend they love. (When the franchise was established it would have been nice if a woman had been allowed to be part of the original team, but maybe that would have robbed the films of their brat pack nostalgia.)

Matt Damon as Linus Caldwell

Character development is as minimal as one would expect for a film featuring thirteen (and counting) lead characters. Still, the screenplay manages to do a lot with a little, mining the insecurity of Linus (Matt Damon), the poetic spirit of Basher (Don Cheadle), and the sibling rivalry of Virgil and Turk to great effect. The bond between Danny and Rusty is sketched more than drawn, but it works. The two men return often to the subject of romantic relationships, talking in the non sequitur rhythm of real-life dialogue.

"Relationships … ", sighs Rusty.

"Sure," answers Danny.

"They're just … ", continues Rusty. "That's right," says Danny.

Male bonding at its finest.

If there's a weakness with Ocean's Thirteen, it's that the hip-ness that makes it strong also keeps it very even and relaxed. It's amusing more than hilarious, intriguing more than suspenseful, stylish more than exciting. It doesn't so much climax as conclude. But it celebrates collaboration, ingenuity and loyalty in some immensely satisfying ways. And that's pretty cool.

Talk About It

1. The members of Ocean's Thirteen are motivated to right a wrong done to a friend. In the real world, what should be done on behalf of a friend who has been abused or betrayed? Is it ever right to seek revenge? (Check Romans 12:19-21)
2. Reuben credits Basher's letters for "bringing him back". Have you ever had a friend "bring you back" from a bad place? Have you ever done that for someone else? Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement from you now?
3. There is a strong contrast in Ocean's Thirteen between the excess of Las Vegas and the poverty Virgil and Turk find in Mexico. How should we reconcile our luxuries with the world's need? For us in the West, how much is too much? (Check Matthew 25:31-45)

The Family Corner

Ocean's Thirteen contains several mild expletives and one suggestive (but fully clothed) seduction scene (played for laughs). Potential peril is implied but never happens; other than the roughing up of one casino patron, there is almost no violence.

Photos © Copyright Warner Bros. Pictures

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