The Next Reel

Even though Ocean’s Twelve was financially successful, it was largely disliked by audiences who saw it as a misfire. When the studio decided to make a follow-up, they returned the story to Vegas where the first film took place and made a film that largely feels like a return to form. But that doesn’t mean the film isn’t without its problems. Join us as we continue our Ocean’s series with Steven Soderbergh’s 2007 film Ocean’s Thirteen. 

The decision to remake Ocean’s 11 with an ensemble cast of stars led to an incredible amount of turnover as stars became attached then had to bail out because of other film commitments. But with the final eleven actors locked in as Danny Ocean’s team of thieves, not to mention Andy Garcia and Julia Roberts in supporting roles, it’s hard to imagine the film working with any other cast except George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and the rest of the gang. Join us as we continue our Ocean’s series with Steven Soderbergh’s 2001 remake, Ocean’s Eleven. 

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. were a part of what people called ‘The Rat Pack,’ a group of friends who all started hanging out regularly back at Humphrey Bogart’s and Lauren Bacall’s place. The members changed over time, but Sinatra, Martin and Davis always seemed to be the core trio. The three only appeared in a handful of films together, and the one they’re most known for is the heist film Ocean’s 11. Join us as we kick off our Ocean’s series with Lewis Milestone’s original 1960 Rat Pack film, Ocean’s 11. 

Time travel stories come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more focused on the fun and entertainment. Others use the conceit to allow for explorations of themes and ideas. Robert A. Heinlein’s short story “—All You Zombies—” is more the latter, and the Spierig brothers – Michael and Peter – do a great job adapting it for the silver screen with their film Predestination. And while it’s easy to get lost in time loops and find fault in rules and story construction, this film is an easy one to enjoy with the paradoxes presented because of the themes and concepts it develops.