Parents' Guide to

Ocean's Eleven

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Fun heist movie for older kids and their families.

Movie PG-13 2001 116 minutes
Ocean's Eleven Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 10 parent reviews

Mom-of-3
Mom-of-3 Adult
January 2, 2015
age 18+

Conservative mom review

I'm very picky about what I let my kids watch and always check reviews online first. I appreciated the heads up about the language, nightclub scene, and woman in the see through dress. We were able to fast forward through all of those scenes. However we were unprepared for the close up of the Vegas girl cards that have naked women on them. This really is not an appropriate kids movie. I regret letting mine watch it.
5 people found this helpful.
jimvickers123
jimvickers123 Adult
May 19, 2021
age 8+

Ocean's Eleven review

I think that this is a very family-friendly movie. Apart from the start of the movie, I think it is totally kid-appropriate. We teach our kids not to say any bad language or they get in trouble. Perfect for a family movie night!

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Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In OCEAN'S ELEVEN, a loose remake of the 1960 film starring Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack, George Clooney plays Sinatra's part, Danny Ocean, this time just out of prison (in the tux he was wearing when he went in) with an idea about robbing three casinos of $150 million. The only problem is that the vault that holds all of their cash is "a security system that rivals that of most nuclear silos." But Danny figures if he can get a good team together and a bankroll for some equipment, he can make it work, Mission: Impossible-style. Danny connects with his former partner-in-crime Rusty (Brad Pitt), and they gather a team of men with various criminal talents.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10):
Kids say (43):

With enough genuine Hollywood star power to light all the neon signs in Nevada, this is a good old-fashioned, Hollywood heist film fun. Part of the pleasure of Ocean's Eleven is that we feel that we're listening in on real conversations, and find ourselves leaning forward as though each of us is in on the deal with them.

One problem, though, is that there are just too many goodies on screen. It's hard for us to adjust our expectations for star turns by the high-wattage cast (which includes Matt Damon, Bernie Mac, Don Cheadle, and Julia Roberts, to name just a few). There are so many stars that we don't get to spend enough time with any of them. Old-timers Elliott Gould and Carl Reiner are magnificent in small roles, and a couple of young TV stars drop by for a slyly hilarious cameo. And Brad Pitt turns in a performance of effortless charm, subtle and witty, completely in service to the character and the movie and yet completely movie star mesmerizing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why heist films like Ocean's Eleven are perennially popular. What is it that we enjoy so much about seeing a robbery? Is it the fantasy of instant millions? The fun of seeing how they solve the unsolvable logistical problems? Watching them respond on the spot to the unexpected?

  • How do the writer and director make us root for the crooks?

  • Which character did you like the most? Why?

Movie Details

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