A River Runs Through It (screenshot), Fight Club (20th Century Fox), The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (Paramount Pictures)Graphic: The A.V. Club
The remarkable thing about Brad Pitt, who turns 60 on December 18, isn’t the 85 and counting IMDb acting credits under his belt, although that’s a pretty impressive number.
The remarkable thing about Brad Pitt, who turns 60 on December 18, isn’t the 85 and counting IMDb acting credits under his belt, although that’s a pretty impressive number.
- 12/18/2023
- by Jack Smart, Don Lewis, Ian Spelling, Courtney Howard, Brent Simon, Brandon Kirby, Brett Buckalew, Mark Keizer, Murtada Elfadl, and Luke Y. Thompson
- avclub.com
Movie star John Wayne and director John Ford became one of the most iconic filmmaker and actor duos ever to move through Hollywood. It all started with their fateful meeting when Wayne worked as a prop man at Fox, where their personalities quickly hit it off. They would later go on to collaborate on 14 movies together, although the list would be longer if one was to count the times they helped one another in lesser capacities.
‘Stagecoach’ (1939) L-r: Claire Trevor as Dallas and John Wayne as Ringo Kid | Getty Images
A group of unlikely travelers find themselves on a stagecoach headed for Lordsburg, New Mexico, in the 1880s. The arrival of an escaped outlaw named the Ringo Kid (Wayne) shakes up their adventure, as they face riding through dangerous Apache territory.
Wayne played his first leading role in Raoul Walsh’s The Big Trail in 1930, but the actor’s career...
‘Stagecoach’ (1939) L-r: Claire Trevor as Dallas and John Wayne as Ringo Kid | Getty Images
A group of unlikely travelers find themselves on a stagecoach headed for Lordsburg, New Mexico, in the 1880s. The arrival of an escaped outlaw named the Ringo Kid (Wayne) shakes up their adventure, as they face riding through dangerous Apache territory.
Wayne played his first leading role in Raoul Walsh’s The Big Trail in 1930, but the actor’s career...
- 2/22/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The farther away we get from it, the more "Ocean's Twelve" looks like somewhat of a miracle to me. Steven Soderbergh, high off the success of winning Best Director for "Traffic" and the box office smash that was "Ocean's Eleven," had the ability to flex his power by taking a sequel that took a dramatic left turn away from the appeal of that first movie. Every sequel Hollywood cranks out is so much of "the first movie but more," but Soderbergh completely shakes up the style. Naturally, most people weren't into it, but those of us who were couldn't have been more thrilled.
Because the film is such a departure, the place they arrived at was obviously not the first instinct of the filmmakers when discussing a sequel. In fact, the screenwriter for "Ocean's Eleven," Ted Griffin, did not even come along for the sequel. However, that did not mean...
Because the film is such a departure, the place they arrived at was obviously not the first instinct of the filmmakers when discussing a sequel. In fact, the screenwriter for "Ocean's Eleven," Ted Griffin, did not even come along for the sequel. However, that did not mean...
- 1/9/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Ocean’s Eleven is a 2001 heist movie directed by Steven Soderbergh. This US movie is about a large-scale theft in Las Vegas. Ocean’s Eleven is a remake of 1960’s Ocean’s 11. This must-see film starred Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Angie Dickinson.
The Plot – What Is Ocean’s Eleven About? Would Casino Players Enjoy It?
Ocean’s Eleven begins with Danny Ocean being released from prison. After a major theft, Danny had to serve several years and is now on parole. But he has nothing to do with probation and immediately plans the next big robbery. The destination is the Bellagio, one of the most famous casino hotels in the world. The planned robbery is made attractive by the fact that the casino owner Terry-Benedigt is also bunkering the earnings of two other famous casinos in the Bellagio’s vault. If all goes well, Danny’s plan can loot the proceeds from the Bellagio,...
The Plot – What Is Ocean’s Eleven About? Would Casino Players Enjoy It?
Ocean’s Eleven begins with Danny Ocean being released from prison. After a major theft, Danny had to serve several years and is now on parole. But he has nothing to do with probation and immediately plans the next big robbery. The destination is the Bellagio, one of the most famous casino hotels in the world. The planned robbery is made attractive by the fact that the casino owner Terry-Benedigt is also bunkering the earnings of two other famous casinos in the Bellagio’s vault. If all goes well, Danny’s plan can loot the proceeds from the Bellagio,...
- 8/30/2022
- by Michael Walsh
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Calling all Brad Pitt stans! You may know him from his suave portrayal of Rusty Ryan in the 2001 film Ocean's Eleven. Or maybe he is familiar from his bold, courageous and selfless role as young astronaut Roy McBride in the 2019 film Ad Astra. However you may have come to know this talented actor, one thing is certain: Brad Pitt has still got it even in his 50s. The enthusiastic performer first stepped on the Hollywood scene as a young actor in the 1989 horror film Cutting Class. Since then, Brad has gone on to lead the success of several blockbuster films including Fight Cub, Moneyball, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, World War Z, and Legends of the Fall. Collecting top...
- 12/18/2020
- E! Online
Much-loved writer, producer, director, actor, quiz host … and creator of a style of comedy stamped indelibly on Us television and film
Carl Reiner dies aged 98Hadley Freeman meets Reiner and Brooks, February 2020A life in pictures
As the 21st-century dawned, it had looked as if comedy legend Carl Reiner’s final moment in the spotlight might be his small bittersweet role in Steven Soderbergh’s heist caper remake Ocean’s Eleven in 2001. He played Saul Bloom, the elderly conman and droll mentor to the two dudes in charge: Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), a role he reprised in two sequels. When Rusty initially tries to engineer a surprise meeting with Saul at the racetrack for recruitment purposes, it is Saul who catches Rusty unawares, tolerant but unimpressed. “I saw you at the paddock before the second race, outside the men’s room when I placed my bet.
Carl Reiner dies aged 98Hadley Freeman meets Reiner and Brooks, February 2020A life in pictures
As the 21st-century dawned, it had looked as if comedy legend Carl Reiner’s final moment in the spotlight might be his small bittersweet role in Steven Soderbergh’s heist caper remake Ocean’s Eleven in 2001. He played Saul Bloom, the elderly conman and droll mentor to the two dudes in charge: Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), a role he reprised in two sequels. When Rusty initially tries to engineer a surprise meeting with Saul at the racetrack for recruitment purposes, it is Saul who catches Rusty unawares, tolerant but unimpressed. “I saw you at the paddock before the second race, outside the men’s room when I placed my bet.
- 6/30/2020
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Much-loved writer, producer, director, actor, quiz host … and creator of a style of comedy stamped indelibly on Us television and film
• Carl Reiner dies aged 98• Hadley Freeman meets Reiner and Brooks, February 2020• A life in pictures
As the 21st-century dawned, it had looked as if comedy legend Carl Reiner’s final moment in the spotlight might be his small bittersweet role in Steven Soderbergh’s heist caper remake Ocean’s Eleven in 2001. He played Saul Bloom, the elderly conman and droll mentor to the two dudes in charge: Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), a role he reprised in two sequels. When Rusty initially tries to engineer a surprise meeting with Saul at the racetrack for recruitment purposes, it is Saul who catches Rusty unawares, tolerant but unimpressed. “I saw you at the paddock before the second race, outside the men’s room when I placed my bet.
• Carl Reiner dies aged 98• Hadley Freeman meets Reiner and Brooks, February 2020• A life in pictures
As the 21st-century dawned, it had looked as if comedy legend Carl Reiner’s final moment in the spotlight might be his small bittersweet role in Steven Soderbergh’s heist caper remake Ocean’s Eleven in 2001. He played Saul Bloom, the elderly conman and droll mentor to the two dudes in charge: Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), a role he reprised in two sequels. When Rusty initially tries to engineer a surprise meeting with Saul at the racetrack for recruitment purposes, it is Saul who catches Rusty unawares, tolerant but unimpressed. “I saw you at the paddock before the second race, outside the men’s room when I placed my bet.
- 6/30/2020
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
There’s a reason Hollywood loves a good casino scene. The drama of winning it all, or maybe even losing it all, is an ideal climatic moment for film. And the glamour of casinos — the expensive clothing, the clicking of ice in drinks glasses, the flash of cash and the general ambiance — looks, and sounds, great on the big screen. It’s the perfect setting for thrillers, heist films, romances — and everything in between.
Having expertise in a casino game is also a great quality point for any character. Sure, you know their back stories, their favourite drink, their strengths and weaknesses. But what’s their favourite casino game to play?
Here, we’ve listed the top characters in movies, ranked by their ability to play casino games.
Ocean’s Eleven
At number six, we’ve got the 2001 American heist film, Ocean’s Eleven. The iconic poker scene happens early on in the film,...
Having expertise in a casino game is also a great quality point for any character. Sure, you know their back stories, their favourite drink, their strengths and weaknesses. But what’s their favourite casino game to play?
Here, we’ve listed the top characters in movies, ranked by their ability to play casino games.
Ocean’s Eleven
At number six, we’ve got the 2001 American heist film, Ocean’s Eleven. The iconic poker scene happens early on in the film,...
- 9/12/2019
- by Michael Walsh
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The 2001 Ocean's Eleven remake captures the Rat Pack spirit of the 1960 original, but with modern stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt gallivanting up and down the Las Vegas Strip. The casino heist adventure was such a hit that director Steven Soderbergh followed it with two sequels, building an entire universe of slick crooks and evil billionaires in the Mojave Desert. Here, five fun facts about the trilogy you may not have known.
Clooney's no fan of the original
When asked about stepping into Frank Sinatra's shoes to play smooth-talking con man Danny Ocean,...
Clooney's no fan of the original
When asked about stepping into Frank Sinatra's shoes to play smooth-talking con man Danny Ocean,...
- 11/28/2016
- Rollingstone.com
Have you ever noticed how Brad Pitt eats a lot in his movies? Most notably, his character in the Ocean's franchise, Rusty Ryan, is munching on something in nearly every scene he's in. There have been supercuts devoted to the actor's munching, and in 2011 Vulture managed to list every single food item he'd dined on through that year's Moneyball. Now a publishing company has taken it another level and compiled a cookbook inspired by Pitt's trademark. Titled Fat Brad - The Cookbook, it's described officially as "a definitive exploration into the on-screen eating habits of William Bradley 'Brad' Pitt; part fan fantasy, part filmic study,” and features recipes such as "Bloodied Roast" inspired by Mr. and Mrs...
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- 8/30/2016
- by Christopher Campbell
- Movies.com
Sandra Bullock's long-rumored female Ocean's Eleven seems to be a go, which means Hollywood will finally get to see what happens when you make a movie with more than four good female roles. Will the world end? Probably not, which means we've got time to think up our dream cast for this intriguing idea. Put on some jazzy music, and let's do this thing!Sandra Bullock is George Clooney. This would be obvious even if Bullock weren't producing the dang thing. Two Oscar winners who represent all that is good and pure about mainstream American culture. You love them. Your mother loves them. Your grandma loves them. And they love each other! Book it. Angelina Jolie is Brad Pitt. The casting of Brad Pitt as Rusty Ryan was Ocean's' real coup. Anyone can surround George Clooney with a crew of B-listers, but when you can pay someone who's arguably...
- 10/30/2015
- by Nate Jones
- Vulture
Movie stars, as we know them, are not so much dead in 2013 as much as they’re no longer making movies. Celebrity has stretched far beyond film or television; people become famous now without having accomplished much of anything, just for being at the right place at the right time, or tweeting out the right scandalous photo to set afire the comments sections at TMZ or Perez Hilton. Though movies cost more than they used to—both to make and to partake—they are less frequently headlined by a man or woman whose very presence ensures bankability. A handful of movie stars remain, yet even someone like Robert Downey, Jr. can only guarantee a movie will make back its profit and then some when he’s donned his Iron Man suit.
The closest Western society has to movie stars these days don’t make movies that gross hundreds of millions...
The closest Western society has to movie stars these days don’t make movies that gross hundreds of millions...
- 11/11/2013
- by Josh Spiegel
- SoundOnSight
Slammed by populous opinion, 2009′s The Informant! has been ridiculed for being “dull,” with “laughs far and few between.” Although critically acclaimed with an IMDb rating of 6.5/10 and Metacritic score of 66, a staggering 42% user approval lingers over the film at Rotten Tomatoes, without any signs of it becoming a cult classic. Yet it should be. One might say that the positive critical reviews are biased, based on puffery by pretentiousness; or egotism to be liked by all the cool kids in the movie theater. It’s Soderbergh after all. Even with the divide, The Informant! is a great watch, not one that you might expect initially, but great nonetheless. Are you still baffled by that 42%? Well, here are a few good reasons why you should stop reading into mass opinions, and give this solid biopic a solid watch. Get your hands off your mouse, and rent The Informant! now. Whether...
- 11/9/2013
- by Christopher Clemente
- SoundOnSight
By Melissa Thompson and Michelle McCue
First man ever to be named “Sexiest Man Alive” twice by People Magazine (1994 and 2000), thrice nominated for acting Oscars for Moneyball, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button and Twelve Monkeys, producer of The Tree Of Life and The Departed, and family man to the children he shares with actress Angelina Jolie, versatile actor Brad Pitt latest endeavor is this week’s wildly anticipated World War Z.
Starring in, as well as producing Wwz, Pitt’s other starring vehicles have ranged from Greek hero Achilles in Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy to George Clooney’s forever-eating friend Rusty Ryan in Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’S 11, as well as superhero “Metro Man” in the animated Megamind and Death in Meet Joe Black.
Gee-whiz, we even have a soft spot for his dead-beat – “Don’t condescend me, man” – Floyd in True Romance.
Presently Pitt is working on his next project,...
First man ever to be named “Sexiest Man Alive” twice by People Magazine (1994 and 2000), thrice nominated for acting Oscars for Moneyball, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button and Twelve Monkeys, producer of The Tree Of Life and The Departed, and family man to the children he shares with actress Angelina Jolie, versatile actor Brad Pitt latest endeavor is this week’s wildly anticipated World War Z.
Starring in, as well as producing Wwz, Pitt’s other starring vehicles have ranged from Greek hero Achilles in Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy to George Clooney’s forever-eating friend Rusty Ryan in Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’S 11, as well as superhero “Metro Man” in the animated Megamind and Death in Meet Joe Black.
Gee-whiz, we even have a soft spot for his dead-beat – “Don’t condescend me, man” – Floyd in True Romance.
Presently Pitt is working on his next project,...
- 6/18/2013
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The sound of the dice hitting the felt. The rattle and the sparkle of ice cubes in cocktail glasses and diamonds on collar bones. The steely gaze of the high roller and the ripple of playing cards. There’s a timeless glamour and appeal to casinos that carries all the way through from real life onto the big screen.
Lets take a look at some of the movies that capture the magic of the world’s glitziest pleasure palaces, and why exactly they get us so damn excited…
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
This film brought the cool. A wily band of lovable rogues headed by charismatic charmer Danny Ocean (George Clooney), this movie’s heist-happy anti-heroes embark on a riotous and risky quest to steal over $150m from slimy casino tycoon Terry Benedict (Andy García), through a daring raid on a vault shared between three major casinos. The band of conspirators...
Lets take a look at some of the movies that capture the magic of the world’s glitziest pleasure palaces, and why exactly they get us so damn excited…
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
This film brought the cool. A wily band of lovable rogues headed by charismatic charmer Danny Ocean (George Clooney), this movie’s heist-happy anti-heroes embark on a riotous and risky quest to steal over $150m from slimy casino tycoon Terry Benedict (Andy García), through a daring raid on a vault shared between three major casinos. The band of conspirators...
- 3/22/2013
- by Phil
- Nerdly
The knack to pulling off any great heist, on the silver screen or otherwise, is forward planning. You’ve got to work the angles, visualise the entry, rehearse the execution and, most importantly, plan for disaster. Now, I don’t know about you, but that seems like a lot to get sorted out in your own head – surely that’s why there are so many great cinematic heist partnerships!
To celebrate the impending release of Robot and Frank, the story of a retired jewel-thief and his relationship with a highly-intelligent robot sidekick, we’ve rifled through the films of the ages and bagged ourselves some of cinema’s greatest heist partnerships.
Charlie Croker and Mr Bridger – Michael Caine and Noel Coward – The Italian Job
In our opinion, all the best heists are crimes of revenge, and what greater revenge than on those suspected of causing your best friend’s death?...
To celebrate the impending release of Robot and Frank, the story of a retired jewel-thief and his relationship with a highly-intelligent robot sidekick, we’ve rifled through the films of the ages and bagged ourselves some of cinema’s greatest heist partnerships.
Charlie Croker and Mr Bridger – Michael Caine and Noel Coward – The Italian Job
In our opinion, all the best heists are crimes of revenge, and what greater revenge than on those suspected of causing your best friend’s death?...
- 2/17/2013
- by Phil
- Nerdly
0:00-3:00 – Introduction; Bayer has had a lot of caffeine (as usual)
3:00-13:10 – “The Words” review
13:10-21:50 – “For a Good Time, Call” review
21:50-30:10 – “The Inbetweeners Movie” review (with a “Downton Abbey” tangent)
30:10-35:00 – “Samsara” review
35:00-43:35 – Qotw (what movie character’s voice do you wish you had)
43:35-46:20 – “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is on the big screen; so are some movies they didn’t screen for critics
46:20-54:50 – A chat with Jon Kroupa, Kickstarter supporter and author of the book “52 Diets”
54:50-1:02:00 – Character Casserole (Rusty Ryan, Master Li, Lt. Dunbar)
1:02:00-1:08:30 – A tangent about the words “butt” and “nuh-uh”; a lunch sponsor; why Snider uses his middle initial; it gets better; a premature wrap-up
1:08:30-1:11:50 – Snider went to Telluride and talked to...
3:00-13:10 – “The Words” review
13:10-21:50 – “For a Good Time, Call” review
21:50-30:10 – “The Inbetweeners Movie” review (with a “Downton Abbey” tangent)
30:10-35:00 – “Samsara” review
35:00-43:35 – Qotw (what movie character’s voice do you wish you had)
43:35-46:20 – “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is on the big screen; so are some movies they didn’t screen for critics
46:20-54:50 – A chat with Jon Kroupa, Kickstarter supporter and author of the book “52 Diets”
54:50-1:02:00 – Character Casserole (Rusty Ryan, Master Li, Lt. Dunbar)
1:02:00-1:08:30 – A tangent about the words “butt” and “nuh-uh”; a lunch sponsor; why Snider uses his middle initial; it gets better; a premature wrap-up
1:08:30-1:11:50 – Snider went to Telluride and talked to...
- 9/11/2012
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
HollywoodNews.com: Our selected celebrity to be included in our “Hot Hollywood Celebrity Photo Gallery of the Day” is Brad Pitt. Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life,” one of the most anticipated films of the Cannes festival (if not of the entire year), finally screened for critics in France this morning and Brad Pitt is the star.
Brad Pitt ◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 11
Brad Pitt - 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival - "The Tree of Live" Photocall - Palais des Festivals - Cannes, France
◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 11
Brad Pitt - 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival - "The Tree of Live" Photocall - Palais des Festivals - Cannes, France
William Bradley “Brad” Pitt[1] (born December 18, 1963) is an American actor and film producer. Pitt has received two Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations, winning one. He has been described as one of the world’s most attractive men,...
Brad Pitt ◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 11
Brad Pitt - 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival - "The Tree of Live" Photocall - Palais des Festivals - Cannes, France
◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 11
Brad Pitt - 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival - "The Tree of Live" Photocall - Palais des Festivals - Cannes, France
William Bradley “Brad” Pitt[1] (born December 18, 1963) is an American actor and film producer. Pitt has received two Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations, winning one. He has been described as one of the world’s most attractive men,...
- 5/16/2011
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
Brad Pitt could be reuniting with Assassination Of Jesse James director Andrew Dominik and co-star Casey Affleck for the upcoming comedy-thriller Cogan’s Trade.
Pitt is said to be very close to signing on the dotted line to play Jackie Cogan, a “professional enforcer” who becomes enticed by the wheelings and dealings of a group of mobsters.
Affleck recently hinted towards his involvement on a familiar sounding film with Dominik, but has yet to confirm whether he will be working with Pitt.
He told The Kevin and Josh Movie Show in Washington DC: "In January, I'm going to be doing a movie with Andrew Dominik again...
“I don't know if I'm allowed to talk about it but it's a Boston-based crime -- it's a novel that was set in Boston that's not going to be set in Boston unfortunately. But it's a novel that was set in Boston, it's a...
Pitt is said to be very close to signing on the dotted line to play Jackie Cogan, a “professional enforcer” who becomes enticed by the wheelings and dealings of a group of mobsters.
Affleck recently hinted towards his involvement on a familiar sounding film with Dominik, but has yet to confirm whether he will be working with Pitt.
He told The Kevin and Josh Movie Show in Washington DC: "In January, I'm going to be doing a movie with Andrew Dominik again...
“I don't know if I'm allowed to talk about it but it's a Boston-based crime -- it's a novel that was set in Boston that's not going to be set in Boston unfortunately. But it's a novel that was set in Boston, it's a...
- 11/4/2010
- by jennifer.trevorrow@lovefilm.com (Jennifer Trevorrow)
- LOVEFiLM
Project will reteam actor with his 'Assassination of Jesse James' director Andrew Dominik.
By Josh Wigler
Brad Pitt
Photo: Steve Granitz/ Getty Images
Brad Pitt is used to organizing high-stakes heists thanks to his involvement in the "Ocean's Eleven" series, but for his latest role, he'll have a lot more in common with Andy Garcia's corrupt casino owner than with his own smooth-operating Rusty Ryan.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pitt has signed on for the comedic crime story "Cogan's Trade," reteaming with his "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" director Andrew Dominik on the project. The report notes that additional "Assassination of Jesse James" castmembers are being considered for the heist comedy, including Sam Rockwell and Casey Affleck, while actors Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem are also potentially up for roles.
Based on a novel of the same name written by George V. Higgins,...
By Josh Wigler
Brad Pitt
Photo: Steve Granitz/ Getty Images
Brad Pitt is used to organizing high-stakes heists thanks to his involvement in the "Ocean's Eleven" series, but for his latest role, he'll have a lot more in common with Andy Garcia's corrupt casino owner than with his own smooth-operating Rusty Ryan.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pitt has signed on for the comedic crime story "Cogan's Trade," reteaming with his "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" director Andrew Dominik on the project. The report notes that additional "Assassination of Jesse James" castmembers are being considered for the heist comedy, including Sam Rockwell and Casey Affleck, while actors Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem are also potentially up for roles.
Based on a novel of the same name written by George V. Higgins,...
- 11/3/2010
- MTV Movie News
Project will reteam actor with his 'Assassination of Jesse James' director Andrew Dominik.
By Josh Wigler
Brad Pitt
Photo: Steve Granitz/ Getty Images
Brad Pitt is used to organizing high-stakes heists thanks to his involvement in the "Ocean's Eleven" series, but for his latest role, he'll have a lot more in common with Andy Garcia's corrupt casino owner than with his own smooth-operating Rusty Ryan.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pitt has signed on for the comedic crime story "Cogan's Trade," reteaming with his "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" director Andrew Dominik on the project. The report notes that additional "Assassination of Jesse James" castmembers are being considered for the heist comedy, including Sam Rockwell and Casey Affleck, while actors Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem are also potentially up for roles.
Based on a novel of the same name written by George V. Higgins,...
By Josh Wigler
Brad Pitt
Photo: Steve Granitz/ Getty Images
Brad Pitt is used to organizing high-stakes heists thanks to his involvement in the "Ocean's Eleven" series, but for his latest role, he'll have a lot more in common with Andy Garcia's corrupt casino owner than with his own smooth-operating Rusty Ryan.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pitt has signed on for the comedic crime story "Cogan's Trade," reteaming with his "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" director Andrew Dominik on the project. The report notes that additional "Assassination of Jesse James" castmembers are being considered for the heist comedy, including Sam Rockwell and Casey Affleck, while actors Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem are also potentially up for roles.
Based on a novel of the same name written by George V. Higgins,...
- 11/3/2010
- MTV Music News
This review was written for the festival screening of "Ocean's Thirteen."CANNES -- Rolling the dice for a third time in "Ocean's Thirteen," Steven Soderbergh and his team beat the odds. Final chapters of trilogies invariably suffer from lameness. This, of course, already transpired in the "Ocean's Twelve," where subplots misfired and the script resorted to all sorts of slight-of-hand trickery.
The new film, which screened Out of Competition at Cannes, returns to Las Vegas and does recapture much of the spirit of the original film. Of course, after six years and two films, a new film can no longer have the bracing freshness of "Ocean's Eleven." Then again, the film doesn't need to waste time explaining everyone's role. We know how these heist-masters operate. Familiarity will also breed solid boxoffice for the film both domestically and internationally as many will want to catch these cool men in cool clothes shaking down Vegas as you only wish you could.
This time, in a clever script by Brian Koppelman & David Levien (who wrote the poker drama "Rounders"), the heist is for friendship. It seems a sleazy hotel and casino operator with the name of Willie Bank, played by Al Pacino, has suckered Ocean's friend and mentor Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould) so badly that he was rushed to ICU with a critical heart condition.
Danny Ocean (George Clooney) gives Willie a second chance to let Reuben back into his fair share of Vegas' newest casino, called the Bank, but Willie laughs it off. Only then does the gang re-assemble. The plan is not to steal a thing. Rather the boys will rig every game so that on opening night everyone but everyone can break the Bank.
Dice, cards and slot machines are traced back to the manufacturer. Payoffs are made and electronic equipment installed. One very amusing touch has the boys making certain that a hotel reviewer (David Paymer), who holds the key to a coveted five-diamond rating, will have a perfectly awful stay.
Then the boys hit a problem. Actually two. To devise an "exit strategy," Danny and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) call in a top take-down expert (played with sly zeal by Eddie Izzard). He discovers the casino operation are protected by "Greco", an artificial intelligence so great and so sensitive it can sense when even one thing is amiss much less all things. He suggests the Ocean's gang fold a losing hand.
The boys brainstorm: What if an "earthquake" knocked out Greco, which would take more than three minutes to reboot? Would that be enough time to break the Bank? Basher (Don Cheadle), the Cockney mechanical whiz, rents the massive drill used to dig the Chunnel connecting England with France. That ought to cause an earthquake!
Then the drill breaks down. To buy, not rent, the other drill, the one that dug from the French side, will set the team back $36 million. Time to re-capitalize.
Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), always the most put-upon of the team, has a risky idea: Ask Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), their mark in the first movie and nemesis in the second, to fund the drill. He agrees -- he hates Bank too -- but on one condition: Ocean's team must steal a necklace of diamonds worth $250 million from an impenetrable room on top of the Bank. This will require Linus to seduce Willie's right-hand woman, Abigail Sponder (Ellen Barkin in a wonderfully comic role).
One or two subplots misfire due to lack of time to make them work: Frank (Bernie Mac) convinces Willie to let him operate a dominoes game opening night. (Highly unlikely.) And Virgil and Turk (Casey Affleck and Scott Caan), sent to a Mexican factory to make certain dice for the casino are loaded, wind up organizing a strike by underpaid workers. (Even less likely.)
Things move too fast for anyone to care much are about the misfires. Meanwhile, Clooney and Pitt smoothly MC the many-ring circus that is an Ocean's con game. Damon gets to play two roles, Linus and his sexed-up alter ego, Lenny Pepperridge, a handler for a mega-rich Asian real estate mogul, who undertakes the task of seducing Willie's vulnerable assistant. But Pacino is stuck with a wafer thin role that denies us his usual fire.
Philip Mesina's design of the fictitious hotel, a jazzy score by David Holmes and Louise Frogley's cool costumes keep everyone and everything perfectly in character.
OCEAN'S THIRTEEN
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents
in association with Village Roadshow Pictures
A Jerry Weintraub/Section Eight production
Credits:
Director/director of photography: Steven Soderbergh
Screenwriters: Brian Koppelman, David Levien
Producer: Jerry Weintraub
Executive producers: Bruce Berman, George Clooney, Susan Elkins, Gregory Jacobs, Frederic W. Brost
Production designer: Philip Messina
Music: David Holmes
Costume designer: Louise Frogley
Editor: Stephen Mirrione
Cast:
Danny Ocean: George Clooney
Rusty Ryan: Brad Pitt
Linus Caldwell: Matt Damon
Terry Benedict: Andy Garcia
Basher Tarr: Don Cheadle
Frank Catton: Bernie Mac
Abigail Sponder: Ellen Barkin
Willy Bank: Al Pacino
Virgil: Casey Affleck
Turk: Scott Caan
Running time -- 122 minutes
No MPAA rating...
The new film, which screened Out of Competition at Cannes, returns to Las Vegas and does recapture much of the spirit of the original film. Of course, after six years and two films, a new film can no longer have the bracing freshness of "Ocean's Eleven." Then again, the film doesn't need to waste time explaining everyone's role. We know how these heist-masters operate. Familiarity will also breed solid boxoffice for the film both domestically and internationally as many will want to catch these cool men in cool clothes shaking down Vegas as you only wish you could.
This time, in a clever script by Brian Koppelman & David Levien (who wrote the poker drama "Rounders"), the heist is for friendship. It seems a sleazy hotel and casino operator with the name of Willie Bank, played by Al Pacino, has suckered Ocean's friend and mentor Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould) so badly that he was rushed to ICU with a critical heart condition.
Danny Ocean (George Clooney) gives Willie a second chance to let Reuben back into his fair share of Vegas' newest casino, called the Bank, but Willie laughs it off. Only then does the gang re-assemble. The plan is not to steal a thing. Rather the boys will rig every game so that on opening night everyone but everyone can break the Bank.
Dice, cards and slot machines are traced back to the manufacturer. Payoffs are made and electronic equipment installed. One very amusing touch has the boys making certain that a hotel reviewer (David Paymer), who holds the key to a coveted five-diamond rating, will have a perfectly awful stay.
Then the boys hit a problem. Actually two. To devise an "exit strategy," Danny and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) call in a top take-down expert (played with sly zeal by Eddie Izzard). He discovers the casino operation are protected by "Greco", an artificial intelligence so great and so sensitive it can sense when even one thing is amiss much less all things. He suggests the Ocean's gang fold a losing hand.
The boys brainstorm: What if an "earthquake" knocked out Greco, which would take more than three minutes to reboot? Would that be enough time to break the Bank? Basher (Don Cheadle), the Cockney mechanical whiz, rents the massive drill used to dig the Chunnel connecting England with France. That ought to cause an earthquake!
Then the drill breaks down. To buy, not rent, the other drill, the one that dug from the French side, will set the team back $36 million. Time to re-capitalize.
Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), always the most put-upon of the team, has a risky idea: Ask Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), their mark in the first movie and nemesis in the second, to fund the drill. He agrees -- he hates Bank too -- but on one condition: Ocean's team must steal a necklace of diamonds worth $250 million from an impenetrable room on top of the Bank. This will require Linus to seduce Willie's right-hand woman, Abigail Sponder (Ellen Barkin in a wonderfully comic role).
One or two subplots misfire due to lack of time to make them work: Frank (Bernie Mac) convinces Willie to let him operate a dominoes game opening night. (Highly unlikely.) And Virgil and Turk (Casey Affleck and Scott Caan), sent to a Mexican factory to make certain dice for the casino are loaded, wind up organizing a strike by underpaid workers. (Even less likely.)
Things move too fast for anyone to care much are about the misfires. Meanwhile, Clooney and Pitt smoothly MC the many-ring circus that is an Ocean's con game. Damon gets to play two roles, Linus and his sexed-up alter ego, Lenny Pepperridge, a handler for a mega-rich Asian real estate mogul, who undertakes the task of seducing Willie's vulnerable assistant. But Pacino is stuck with a wafer thin role that denies us his usual fire.
Philip Mesina's design of the fictitious hotel, a jazzy score by David Holmes and Louise Frogley's cool costumes keep everyone and everything perfectly in character.
OCEAN'S THIRTEEN
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents
in association with Village Roadshow Pictures
A Jerry Weintraub/Section Eight production
Credits:
Director/director of photography: Steven Soderbergh
Screenwriters: Brian Koppelman, David Levien
Producer: Jerry Weintraub
Executive producers: Bruce Berman, George Clooney, Susan Elkins, Gregory Jacobs, Frederic W. Brost
Production designer: Philip Messina
Music: David Holmes
Costume designer: Louise Frogley
Editor: Stephen Mirrione
Cast:
Danny Ocean: George Clooney
Rusty Ryan: Brad Pitt
Linus Caldwell: Matt Damon
Terry Benedict: Andy Garcia
Basher Tarr: Don Cheadle
Frank Catton: Bernie Mac
Abigail Sponder: Ellen Barkin
Willy Bank: Al Pacino
Virgil: Casey Affleck
Turk: Scott Caan
Running time -- 122 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 5/25/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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