Willy Bank. A “successful” businessman who uses his position of power, while threatening harm to others, to gain more and more. Bank (played by Al Pacino) is an excellent example of what middle school bullies might grow up to be, should they not mature and nor make significant contributions to anyone other than themself. Ocean’s 13 delivers the “rag-tag” group of people who will team up, looking to turn the tables and steal Bank’s lunch money.
With an all-star cast, Ocean’s 13 delivers more than just a fun heist film; it’s a story about friends coming together to help out another who lost everything to Bank’s threatening tactics. It’s not always about the message in storytelling that makes a film enjoyable, but it’s clear that watching the Ocean crew attempt to break Bank’s casino is entertaining in a way that is only heightened by the idea of seeing someone so despicably immoral lose it all – one glorious step at a time.
If you have not seen Ocean’s 13, and do not want to be spoiled, consider this your SPOILER WARNING.
Why Should Teens Watch Ocean’s 13?
It is likely most kids (and adults) will come face to face with someone who bullies them or their friends. Maybe it’s a coach or boss who belittles them. Perhaps a “friend” or co-worker is constantly making jokes at their expense. It could be quite literally a moment where another student steals food off their tray at lunch.
Experiencing such a thing, or knowing it’s happening to a friend, is overwhelming in the sense that it makes a person feel helpless. Watching Ocean’s 13, although a fictional world where a group of friends do illegal things to take down someone else doing illegal things, will make people of all ages feel better. Is it distressing to watch Reuben (played by Elliott Gould) have a heart attack and be bed-ridden afterwards? Yes. Is it hilarious to watch others try to comfort him despite being uncomfortable in that role? Equally yes.
Willy Bank is a character who thrives within the idea of being an openly dishonest person. His advertisements have him crossing his fingers, as if to admit to the world that his word cannot be trusted. There are people in the world who use doublespeak and will rely on their positions of power to leverage against other people. He is a stark reminder of how cruel the world can be, especially when there are people willing to do his dirty work. Biggest takeaway for teens: Friends don’t let friends turn into a Bank.
Ocean’s 13 Is Delightfully Entertaining
Does Willy Bank end up losing it all in the end? Yes. Do I absolutely adore watching that happen? Without a doubt, yes! Plus, an added bonus is watching Terry Benedict (played by Andy Garcia) get duped after he tries to double-cross Ocean and company after they bring him in on the plan when they need financial backing. So, you get to watch two not-so-great people taken down a peg or two, and that will always be satisfying and worth smiling about.
On the flip side, this film is a haunting reminder of how people will resort to many a things to get richer. In a world where the increase in billionaires seems to be overflowing while many more struggle with the cost of living, this is another reason why this film connects (with me) so much: It highlights consequences for those who abuse power. Isn’t that something basic we were taught at a young age? “There are consequences for our actions” or “you are responsible for your actions.”
He is the example that seems lacking at times in the real world. When Bank doesn’t get his way, he throws a tirade against employees, screaming or tossing vases on the floor. Let’s not forget he threatened Reuben: Either sign away his money and properties over to him or his minion will toss him off the roof. It would seem that if all of his employees quit, he wouldn’t have any business to run; however, circumstances do not always allow for people to leave since finding alternative employment is much easier said than done.
Lucky 13’s Responsibility & Fun
I’m not saying members of Ocean’s crew are role models. What I am saying is that their code of honor within their world is something far greater than anything Willy Bank could ever own or steal. They defend Reuben at all costs, even offering Bank an opportunity to make it right. But, of course, he can do no wrong and doesn’t take said chance to give Reuben back what was stolen.
It is safe to say that Ocean’s 13 is genuinely a fun watch, because it all seems to come together in the end, even when things don’t seem certain to go smoothly. As the Joker would say, “It’s all part of the plan.” And that plan requires doing some shady things, including seducing Bank’s “second in command,” blackmailing employees, and just a little thing of causing a natural disaster in the form of an earthquake.
If you’re looking to see a “big baddie” lose it all, this movie is for you. Because, in the end, he is delusional to think he hasn’t lost because he still has a few things valuable to him, including his handicap in golf. It’s another reminder for people to see how any one person can justify their evil deeds as long as they have some personal gains in the end; however, watching Danny Ocean (played by George Clooney) slyly diminish Bank’s threats, and then witnessing Bank’s realization that he’s lost it all, is worth more than the price of admission.
Ocean’s 13
Release: 2007
Rated: PG-13
Length: 2 hours, 2 minutes
Are you a fan of the Ocean series? Do you equally love to watch Bank lose everything? What other movies would you recommend for those wanting a similar vibe and see a corrupt baddie fall from the top? Share your thoughts in the comments or let me know over on social media.
For more GPG content, check out other explorations of incredible storytelling, such as The Hunger Games and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Until next time, happy parenting and happy geeking.
