Ocean's Twelve hits US screens

Movie pundits are predicting that "Ocean's Twelve" will be the top box office hit this season.

15:28 11 December 2004

Movie pundits are predicting that "Ocean's Twelve" will be the top box office hit this season.

The tracking service Exhibitor Relations says the sequel to the hit film "Ocean's Eleven" is likely to be just as popular with movie goers.

"We're expecting 'Ocean's Twelve' to be one of the biggest movies of the holiday season," said Exhibitor Relations President, Paul Dergarabedian.

The latest film catches up with Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his crew of con men, with actress Catherine Zeta Jones playing the latest addition to the eclectic group as they plan their latest heist.

The film, which debuted at American cinemas on Friday, is expected to top the $38.1 million taken during the U.S. opening of "Ocean's Eleven."

The sequel sees Ocean and his side kicks skipping through some of the most fashionable spots in Europe including, Rome, Amsterdam, Paris and Monte Carlo, as they try to match the wits of a European master thief played by French actor Vincent Cassel.

The film, which cost an estimated $110 million to shoot, has been heavily promoted by its cast, which also includes Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts.

Director Steven Soderbergh says he hit upon the idea of the sequel while on the road promoting the first movie in Europe.

At a news conference in Rome, Brad Pitt told journalists how the idea manifested itself.

"When we were doing the press tour for 'Ocean's Eleven', we were all very adamant about not doing a sequel,"said Pitt.

"We were having a beautiful dinner at 'La Bolognese' and a beautiful plate of buffalo mozzarella, and we all love Rome. Steven looked up and said 'I have an idea for the sequel,' and we all threw in our lots and agreed to do it, but it had to take place here," he added.

Asked whether there is likely to be an "Ocean's Thirteen", Pitt replied in a dead-pan tone, "I'm thinking musical!"