"Ocean's Twelve": a baker's dozen

"Ocean's Twelve,"the box office smash hit and sequel to similarly successful "Ocean's Eleven," is a maze of good guys, villains, and heists that keeps the audience entertained in every way, shape and form.

If it weren't for the utter confusion and awkward cinematography of the first part of the movie, "Ocean's Twelve" would be near perfect. Director Steven Soderbergh tries a little too hard to be artsy, but he mixes laughs into a crime movie excellently and makes sure that the gorgeousness of the cast doesn't overpower the plot.

The initial scenes depict the casino owner, played by a creepy, cane-toting Andy Garcia, hunting down the original eleven. The plot is set within the confines of a two-week period. During that time, Danny Ocean's gang has to repay the casino owner what they robbed in the first film, plus interest. For the most part, Ocean's eleven spent a decent percentage of their loot, and to make up the remaining millions, they vow to make a couple more high-profile heists. With the addition of the ever-classy Catherine Zeta-Jones, the gang's detective nemesis, the talent in "Ocean's Twelve" is thirteen strong. The most memorable performances in the film are made by the two leading ladies, Zeta-Jones and Julia Roberts, who plays Danny Ocean's spunky wife. George Clooney, who plays ringleader Danny Ocean, doesn't seem to carry the film as powerfully as he should. Co-commander in Chief Rusty, played by a suavely dressed Brad Pitt, serves more as eye candy than a hard-hitting crime hero. The best of the original eleven would have to be Matt Damon, the bumbling and inadvertently hilarious character, Linus. Also, a new competitor of Ocean's gang leaves a lasting impression; Vincent Cassel plays a rich, bored and talented solo thief trained by the world's best.

Highlights of the film include the loss of a duffel bag containing Ocean's grease-man, cameos by Bruce Willis and Albert Finney and a jaw-droppingly amazing scene that takes place in the great hall of an art museum at night.

"Ocean's Twelve" is a great watch for the abnormally patient and mentally sharp. Don't think that the big names and the big budget mean mindless entertainment; "Ocean's Twelve" will keep even the most calculating moviegoer on their toes.

"Ocean's Twelve" (120 minutes)is rated PG-13 for language.