OCEAN'S 13: Simmers but no sizzle

OCEAN'S THIRTEEN (drama)
Cast: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Andy Garcia
Director: Steven Soderberg
Time: 123 mins
Rating: * * * (out of 4)
WHAT'S IT ABOUT? The wily Willy Banks (Al Pacino) has cheated Rueben Tishkoff (Elliot Gould) out of a big casino deal, causing Reuben to have a heart attack. Of course, Ocean (George Clooney) and his gang would not stand for it and they plan revenge. Not just good ole fashion revenge, mind you, but to bust Bank for good. This comes at a time when Bank is launching his biggest casino ever in Vegas and is aiming for the Five Diamond Award.

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? This time around, Ocean's gang are aiming for a Mission: Impossible-type, earth-shaking climax. It succeeds in its mission, of course, but we can't help feeling that there should be more to keep our adrenaline and testosterone pumping.

HIGHLIGHTS & LOWLIGHTS: Again, this third instalment of the Ocean's franchise is dogged by high expectations. Fans of sting movies would get the nostalgia of Ocean's exploits, especially when the film-makers return the action to Vegas after after the 2004 "Ocean's 12" detour to Europe that disappointed some fans. The narrative moves along like clockwork, but there is not enough sizzle (as in romance and eye candy) to excite and to get us involved.

The cast of big names and veterans deliver what they set out to do and it is especially a godsend to have Al Pacino as the villain here. Ellen Barkin is lacklustre in her role as Bank's right-hand gal. She is supposed to turn up the 'heat' in this sequel but age seems to be a damper. We need someone like Catherine Zeta-Jones...

THE LOWDOWN: A passable outing for Ocean's fans, with a proper build-up and predictable outcome. Not for those who expect more.