Eleven Guys ,Three Casinos and $163 million (James Bond - On Her Majesty's Secret Service (Ultimate Edition, 2 DVDs))

Member Name: elspeth334

Product:	James Bond - On Her Majesty's Secret Service (Ultimate Edition, 2 DVDs)
Date:	20/02/02 (91 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic Cast

Disadvantages: None

This film has as many stars as the US flag. This however doesn’t make a good film but when you consider the larger than life location of Las Vegas and a superb plot then you have the makings of a box office smash. The film brought back happy memories of my recent trip to Vegas and made me want to return all the more.

Plot of the film centres a round Danny Ocean and his insane idea to rob from the vault of the Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas. This vault contains the collective takings form the Mirage, MGM Grand and the Bellagio Casinos, three of Vegas’ biggest. In order to do this Mr. Ocean assembles a team of eleven (hence the name) in order to execute the plan. The plot is well structured and easy to follow unlike some modern movies. The heist takes place on the night of World Title Fight Night and so the vault contains a huge $163 million is cold hard cash. The eleven plan to steal from Casino owner Terry Benedict who just so happens to be dating Danny’s wife. This provides and interesting subplot. It is enthralling watching the intricate planning of the heist the watch it through to its execution. It has even got a couple of twists and turns in its tail. It is an unusual movie for its time since it contains virtually no swearing or violence making it good for kids too. Having been to Las Vegas it was all the more interesting because I was familiar with the setting and have played the same slot machines as George Clooney!!

So who are the eleven: Daniel Ocean (George Clooney), Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), Reuben Tishkoff (Elliot Gould), Saul Bloom (Carl Reiner), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), Frank Catton (Bernie Mac), Turk and Virgil Malloy (Scott Caan and Casey Affleck), Livingston Dell (Edward Jemison) and Yen (Shaobo Qin). Every one of them plays their part superbly and they all play an important part as far as the plot goes. Even though they are villains you side with them and hope they succeed due to the
incredible characterisation and acting. This has got more stars than your average movie but wait there is more. Andy Garcia plays the part of wealthy Casino owner Terry Benedict and he also portrays his role in flawless fashion. His character seems cold – hearted and superior and so we side with the eleven who rob him. Julia Roberts also plays her part well but although being and A-list star she has to settle for being in a supporting role in this movie. Lennox Lewis even makes a brief appearance too just to notch up another celebrity star. The acting overall is flawless with everyone giving 110% making it one to remember.

It is unusual in the fact that there are no real action sequences as such and there is no noticeable computer generated imagery. This however would have spoiled, in my opinion, what is superb crime caper from Steven Soderbergh. With a running time of 116 minutes it’s long enough yet you don’t start getting restless.

I highly recommend that you sit back and soak up the Vegas atmosphere the superb acting and the flawless plot. It is simply one of the best movies drama based movies I have seen in a long time. I can’t fault it and recommend you give it a try.

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