Yet another original spoiler-free Urban Docent movie review

    A good time was had by all when we invaded the local cineplex to catch the latest addition to the Ocean's franchise. This movie is for sure what the summer season is all about — a fun, enjoyable sequel that doesn't disappoint those who aren't expecting to get in on the next great film experience  ....

PLOT: The familiar crew is back to pull off another near-impossible, Vegas-based heist. Key personalities play a little mental chess back and forth as the crew limbers up and executes the kind of crime that only Hollywood could concoct.

    Director Steven Soderbergh is able to once again work his magic as he evokes the spirit of 1960's dramas through the deft application of split-screen sequences and solid conversations. Just as the plot develops on how well the leads and supporters use their suave, so Soderbergh hooks you along with his stylish handling of (and let's be honest here, people) big-screen silliness.

    George Clooney and Brad Pitt are standard-issue here; if anything, they sort of lack the intensity they brought to Ocean's Eleven. Thank goodness for Al Pacino and his ability to make you think that he really is a rotten SOB who needs to be handed his hat.  And the sequences taking place in the Mexican factory are great comic relief.

    A key distinction called out with this installment is the missing love interest. There is no side story or other plot point focused on rekindling a lost love, winning affections or serious relationship building. It is an interesting departure from the series' operating procedure, and it's an idea that I'm sure others will mimic in other crime-type stories going forward.

    Overall, the new Ocean's works great — the sights and sounds of Vegas are wonderfully blended with the behind-the-scenes crime plotting. The soundtrack is again replete with cool lounge beats and other great tunes.

    Ocean's Thirteen receives a well-earned C+ for giving us a much better installment than the last edition. If you've checked out the last two, then you owe to yourself to see this one as well.

    As an aside, some other reviews have said that you won't gain much from seeing this one on the big screen over catching it on DVD. But I would say that's not necessarily true. If you're the kind of person who is sensitive to the overall tone created by opening sequences, music and cinematography, then you might want to see this one at your local theater.