Fun heist movie for older kids and their families.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Products & Purchases
some
Las Vegas hotels abound: Bellagio, Mirage, MGM Grand, Mandalay Resort. Other visuals: Trump Plaza, Ramlosa water, Budweiser, Michelob, Barnum’s, and Macy’s.
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
a little
An elderly man chomps on a cigar in all of his scenes. A few scenes show men drinking in social settings: in a bar, a casino, a hotel room, at a gaming table, at dinner.
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Occasional swearing that includes two instances of "f—k" and other milder curse words: "goddamn," "no s—t," "screwing," "a--hole." In one scene two men pretend to insult each other with racial slurs: "goddamn cracker," "colored." One character makes an obscene gesture.
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There's lots of suspense, much of it with a sense of comic irony, as the heroes try to pull off a remarkable robbery. Action includes some fist fights, a beating, chaos in a casino, two security guards being gassed into unconsciousness, and several explosions (two cars and several small rooms blow up). No one is injured or killed. In one scene, an elderly man seems to be having a heart attack or stroke, then appears to be dead (but not for long).
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The romantic con artists are loyal, brave, smart, funny, and honorable toward one another. The diverse, colorful team of rogues includes: a Chinese gymnast, two lovable old stereotypical Jewish crooks, and two black criminals. The only substantial female player is the love interest of the gang's leader, Danny Ocean.
Positive Messages
very little
Basic premise is that a smart, attractive, "ethical," racially diverse team of swindlers and robbers are heroes while the villain, their mark, is a heartless corporate big shot. So good defeats evil -- but in a nontraditional way.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Ocean's Eleven is a slick caper movie that keeps the audience rooting for appealing, clever con artists and thieves throughout. The fact that their target is a ruthless and violent business tycoon is meant to lessen the immorality and illegality of their adventure. There's lots of suspense, a few action-packed moments with some hard punches thrown, several explosions, a faked death, and two guards gassed into unconsciousness. No one is hurt or killed. Swearing is occasional, including "f—k," "s—t," "goddamn," "screwing," "hell." In one scene there is a mock racist argument during which characters call one another "cracker" and "colored." Sexuality is limited to one kiss as well as a few wide shots of strippers and a lap dance in an upscale nightclub. This film, a loose remake of the 1960 film of the same name, starring Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack, spawned the sequels Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
I'm very picky about what I let my kids watch and always check reviews online first. I appreciated the heads up about the language, nightclub scene, and woman in the see through dress. We were able to fast forward through all of those scenes. However we were unprepared for the close up of the Vegas girl cards that have naked women on them. This really is not an appropriate kids movie. I regret letting mine watch it.
I loved the plot of the movie. Great acting. Interesting. Action-packed. But as for the whole "positive role model" concept, that goes out the door when you consider that they are all a bunch of theives robbing the largest casinos in Vegas. Putting that thought aside, there were still some questional elements not suitable for children/young teens. The language was strong. The sexuality was pretty bad. No bedroom scenes, but practical nudity of the show girls. One scene has a girl in a COMPLETELY see-through dress seducing a man. I was shocked that was in there. Overall, the movie is fine for adults. I would not recommend for anyone under 15.
What's the Story?
In OCEAN'S ELEVEN, a loose remake of the 1960 film starring Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack, George Clooney plays Sinatra's part, Danny Ocean, this time just out of prison (in the tux he was wearing when he went in) with an idea about robbing three casinos of $150 million. The only problem is that the vault that holds all of their cash is "a security system that rivals that of most nuclear silos." But Danny figures if he can get a good team together and a bankroll for some equipment, he can make it work, Mission: Impossible-style. Danny connects with his former partner-in-crime Rusty (Brad Pitt), and they gather a team of men with various criminal talents.
With enough genuine Hollywood star power to light all the neon signs in Nevada, this is a good old-fashioned, Hollywood heist film fun. Part of the pleasure of Ocean's Eleven is that we feel that we're listening in on real conversations, and find ourselves leaning forward as though each of us is in on the deal with them.
One problem, though, is that there are just too many goodies on screen. It's hard for us to adjust our expectations for star turns by the high-wattage cast (which includes Matt Damon, Bernie Mac, Don Cheadle, and Julia Roberts, to name just a few). There are so many stars that we don't get to spend enough time with any of them. Old-timers Elliott Gould and Carl Reiner are magnificent in small roles, and a couple of young TV stars drop by for a slyly hilarious cameo. And Brad Pitt turns in a performance of effortless charm, subtle and witty, completely in service to the character and the movie and yet completely movie star mesmerizing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why heist films like Ocean's Eleven are perennially popular. What is it that we enjoy so much about seeing a robbery? Is it the fantasy of instant millions? The fun of seeing how they solve the unsolvable logistical problems? Watching them respond on the spot to the unexpected?
How do the writer and director make us root for the crooks?
MPAA explanation:
some language and sexual content
Last updated:
September 11, 2024
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