February 2002 Volume 83 Number 2 "serving the protectors"
Edited by John Ballantyne

Ocean’s Eleven is a smart, updated remake of the 1960s film of the same name, which starred Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, and established the Rat Pack in the American lexicon.

In this new version, directed by Steven Soderbergh, a newly paroled gangster – charismatic con man Danny Ocean (George Clooney) – devises the most sophisticated, elaborate casino heist in history.

The target? Three of the most popular casinos in Las Vegas.

Secured beneath 200 feet of sold earth is a vault that safeguards every dime that comes through these three casinos.

And on the night of a popular boxing event, the vault is certain to contain at least $150 million…

To pull off this elaborate – some would say suicidal – scheme, Ocean handpicks a crack team of specialist crooks.

His close confidante, Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), is the detail man of the outfit. Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), a talented newcomer, is a master pickpocket.

Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), a Cockney explosives expert, is entrusted with devising an undetectable way of taking out Las Vegas’s power for a very exact period.

A nervy surveillance specialist (Eddie Jemison) and an ulcerous old pro (Carl Reiner) make an interesting contrast to the other cooler-than-cool members of Ocean’s eleven.

But is money the only motive for Ocean? Or is there something more?

The three casinos are owned by Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), a smooth but ruthless and megalomaniacal entrepreneur, who just happens to be dating Danny Ocean’s ex-wife (Julia Roberts)

Ocean’s Eleven is a good fun romp of a film. There is suspense, but no gratuitous violence.

The dialogue is snappy and witty. The plot is clever, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns.

For your chance to win one of five Ocean’s Eleven double passes (valid until February 20), put your details on the back of an envelope and send it to Ocean’s Eleven Comp, SA Police Journal (168).

Ali

US boxing champion Muhammed Ali was one of those instantly recognizable personalities of the latter part of the twentieth century.

Whether you followed world heavyweight boxing or not, Ali was somebody you couldn’t possibly ignore. His agility and lightning speed made him a phenomenon in the boxing ring.

His swagger, his way with words and showmanship at media conferences made him a global celebrity.

It must have taken actor Will Smith – who is nothing like Ali in looks or temperament – some courage to tackle this larger-than-life character in this film.

Unfortunately, director Michael Mann tries to cram into the film too many historical events of the turbulent decade which saw Ali rise to fame.

The backdrop too often detracts from the central character himself, who was surely one of the most interesting persons on the planet.

The film, however, is interesting and enjoyable, and has its moments of high drama – as well as some technically impressive fighting sequences.

Also stars Jon Voight, Jada Pinkett Smith and Jamie Foxx.

Hearts in Atlantis

Sometimes when you’re young, you have moments of such happiness, you think you’re living in someplace magical, like Atlantis must have been… then we grow up and our hearts break into two.

This film is a nostalgic tale, based on a Stephen King novel, of a middle-aged man’s recollections of his lost childhood.

Photographer Bobby Garfield (David Morse) returns to the town of his upbringing and can’t help but visit his old house, now in ruins.

Through a window he looks towards the house of Carol Gerber, his childhood sweetheart, and relives the last summer of his childhood.

On his 11th birthday, the young Bobby (Anton Yelchin) struggles with his disappointment in not getting the bicycle he has been dreaming about.

But his mother Liz (Hope Davis) – a widow since the death of her husband a few years earlier – struggles to make ends meet as a single parent.

Just then, Bobby’s life takes an interesting turn with the arrival of a mysterious lodger, Ted Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins).

Ted appears out of nowhere. He inspires instant liking from Bobby and becomes a sort of father figure to him.

Ted gives Bobby a job reading the daily paper aloud to spare Ted’s failing eyes.

But, in addition, he also asks Bobby to do a special job for him – to keep a look out for sinister men who are hunting him.

Meanwhile, Bobby’s childhood friendship with Carol Gerber blossoms into romance.

This is a gentle film, filled with wistful nostalgia, and supported by a strong cast.

At age 11, Bobby stands on the threshold of adolescence. It is the last summer of his childhood where he becomes aware of a bigger and darker world out there.

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