OCEAN'S TWELVE (2004)

It’s hot, it’s got bro moments, and it makes no goddamn sense. What a blast. I’ve seen this movie many times and let me tell you something: A laser breakdance scene set to “Thé à la menthe” goes such a long way to suspending disbelief. You’re scoffing, you’re thinking, “Oh, okay, only one of the star-studded cast members has a real-life counterpart, sure!” You’re questioning Linus’ (Matt Damon) mom’s (Cherry Jones) involvement. If she’s impersonating an FBI agent, why did it have to be his mom? If she’s a real FBI agent, how on earth has she been able to keep her job? You’re struggling to see how a holographic egg could ever look that good. Why would Rusty (Brad Pitt) ever risk dating a detective whose entire life has been dedicated to finding thieves? Then, suddenly, it happens. The silliest, dumbest, goofiest laser break dance scene you’ve ever seen in your life. It’s like mainlining a tequila shot. It hits you and everything is suddenly okay. 

By all accounts, this movie shouldn’t work. It’s incomprehensible and most of it is an over-elaborate ruse that is a total fakeout for both the audience and a petty thief (Vincent Cassel). But the pacing is tight, the dialogue is fun (“It’s not in my nature to be mysterious. But I can’t talk about it and I can’t talk about why” gets me every time), and the whole film feels like getting together with your high school buddies after a few years away at college. There’s comfort, there’s familiarity, and you’re having fun, even if you’re not completely in on the joke. I can’t hate it even though I know I should. In a world where so many other movies infuriate me, I’ll take the win.

Food Recommendation: I miss Poltergeist so much. That would have been my restaurant recommendation, as a lot of its dishes would puzzle you with their presentation but win you over with how well each ingredient worked together. The ultimate ensemble piece in every dish. Seeing as how my recommendation is closed (what a bummer), I will recommend Pink’s Hot Dogs. A touch of Hollywood charm, tourists love it, there’s a lot going on on those dogs, but it works and they’re still tasty.