Oceans Eleven

This week on Aussie and the Scotsman, the lads review Ocean’s Eleven (2001), the American heist comedy directed by Steven Soderbergh.

The first instalment in the Ocean’s trilogy, the film is a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack classic and boasts one of the most stacked casts of the early 2000s — George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Andy García, Don Cheadle, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Elliott Gould, Bernie Mac, and Carl Reiner.

The story follows Danny Ocean and Rusty Ryan as they plan an audacious $160 million heist targeting three Las Vegas casinos owned by Terry Benedict — who also happens to be dating Danny’s ex-wife. Slick, stylish, and very much of its time.

The episode opens with the Scotsman genuinely upset — not performative, not exaggerated — properly rattled. What’s caused it? You’ll have to listen.

That mood doesn’t last long though, thanks to a recent movie moderation where the podcast was repeatedly referred to as “The Someone and the Scotsman.” Twice. The Scotsman lifts instantly. The Aussie is mortified. Balance is restored.

A detour into the Scotsman’s deep hatred of shopping follows, which is then over-analysed in forensic detail. Lunch chat appears — specifically a roast beef roll — and a firm declaration that the MCG does a very strong version.

Once again, the Aussie arrives with no story. Not acceptable. Worse still, the Scotsman believes Ocean’s Eleven itself is not worthy of the podcast. “We’re only doing it because of the cast,” argues the Aussie.

The Scotsman tears it apart regardless — dated, coasting on charm, and no longer good enough for a modern audience. The Aussie struggles to defend it, made worse by some “rubbish” film knowledge, including confusing the Rat Pack with the “Brat Pack.” I mean seriously!

Rohan Reminisces takes us back to 2001 — Oscar winners, major pop-culture moments, the launch of Wikipedia, the first iPod, and the release of Shrek, which inevitably triggers the Scotsman’s Shrek impression. 

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