Harry, I didn't want to send any advance word on the movie, but after reading the other review, I had to send my two cents in (no spoilers are included here). I too was at the Scottsdale test screening for Ocean's Eleven last week, and I must say that either the kind Dr. had some flat soda during the flick or he just doesn't quite get the thing.
Yes, it was evident that this was a very early cut of the film, and the pacing did need some work, but this has the makings of greatness, and even as it was, it buried anything I have seen so far this year. Soderbergh, who was present at the screening along with Jerry Weintraub and a host of other black-clad producer types, has a very unique sense of style and man, he brings it in full force on this one.
Clooney and Pitt, as the Dr. says, have perfect chemistry across the whole film, Matt Damon does a great job as the new guy of the crew (and I think is better than what Wahlberg would have been), Julia Roberts, with limited screen time and a very late introduction, does wonderfully with her scenes, and what a unique pleasure to see Carl Reiner playing an end of his rope con man. Even Scott Caan and Corey Affleck are great as the constantly fighting Mormon Molloy Brothers. The cast could not have been better.
The script is smart, with good lines (the ending is a bit surprisingly smarmy...hopefully that will change), and it smartly takes time to poke fun at the characters and the logic of heist. It treats everybody with intelligence, and while there are some slight reality gaps, I never lost faith in the drive of the story. This fiction, right???
The only problems I noted on my survey card could be easily fixed in editing...no reshoots should be needed here. And my faith in Soderbergh's editing abilities (is there a leaner flick than The Limey?) allow me to know that this already very good movie will be the best time in a movie house all year...no question. But, keep in mind that this is no big statement piece or Oscar heavy nor is it intended to be...it's a very good, fun ensemble work that is smart and very, very cool. I can't wait to see it again.
