I had high hopes for this film- it starred the Rat Pack (at least the 1960s version)- Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. There's some big names there, and they had a reputation as being the coolest guys in Hollywood. Unfortunately, the movie didn't live up to expectations. There was a lot of ab-libbing, because these guys were all friends in real life. That gives the film a friends-hanging-out vibe, which doesn't always make for great viewing. It was fun to watch, but didn't exactly make a great movie. The story itself is quite uneven, as it spends large amounts of times on scenes that don't make much of an impact on the film. Without spoiling anything (I HATE people that spoil movies), I felt like the ending was a bit weak and unsatisfying. I wanted more.
All this being said, I am surprised that I actually believe the 2001 remake was a superior film. That is not always the case with remakes. Remakes are very often a bad idea (think 2001's stupid Planet of the Apes remake)- but, they can work, especially when they update a film that wasn't all that good to begin with. That is the case here. Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven movie oozed coolness- from Clooney in full movie star mode, Brad Pitt oddly eating in every scene, and the strong supporting cast- that was a cool movie. It also had some terrific lines (I think my favorite is still- "You're a thief and a liar." "I only lied about being a thief.")
All this got me thinking- what are the best remakes of all time? I would put Ocean's Eleven in that list. There's probably quite a few remakes of foreign films that were excellent- The Ring and The Departed come to mind. I'm sure there are others.
Well, that's 1 film down and 99 to go. 1960's Ocean's Eleven isn't a bad movie, it just doesn't live up to expectations. I would give this film a 6.5/10.
Let me throw it to you- How do you feel about remakes in general? What are your favorite remakes? What are the worst? Have you seen the original Ocean's Eleven? How do you think it compares to the remake?
I was very impressed with the recent 2010 remake of The Karate Kid. Believe me, I went into the movie being very critical because I was a huge fan of the original trilogy (let's not talk about The Next Karate Kid) and I grew up on it. I'll even admit to having the exact same bandana that DanielSon (yes my name is Daniel too!) had and walked around karate chopping everything as kid (and maybe last week too). All that being said, I give the remake 2 thumbs up and think they paid homage to the original very well.
ReplyDeleteDan- thanks for the comment. I haven't seen the remake yet. The original was such a great film, and I was worried about how this one was going to come out, too. I appreciate the recommendation- now I really want to see it. I'll definitely add it to my list.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite remakes, along with the most recent adaptation of 3:10 to Yuma. I agree, George Clooney truly topped the original. Have you seen the original Italian Job? That's on my list to view as well.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the original Italian Job yet (a perfect example of no matter how movies you see, there's still an embarrassing amount of ones yet to see). I'll definitely add it to my list!
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