Ocean's Eleven Synopsis Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his best friend Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) assemble a motley crew to steal the money from three Las Vegas casinos. They plan to infiltrate an outrageously protected underground safe-an utterly impossible crime. Danny loves a challenge, though. And this caper will not only make him immensely wealthy but also hurt the casinos' owner, Harry Benedict (Andy Garcia), who stole Danny's ex-wife Tess (Julia Roberts). The Message Ocean's Eleven is pure Hollywood escapism. From start to finish it's a light joyride that's not meant to be taken seriously. It's obvious that the all-star cast had a blast playing likable low-lifes, dressing in slick suits, and generally looking ultra-cool throughout the whole movie. The only problem is that the audience is rooting for criminals. (You really want these guys to get away with their crime, even though you know better.) You could almost plead the Robin Hood defense because they're robbing casinos, but it still feels wrong to make thieves the heroes. Otherwise, the movie delivers the perfect dose of everything that most audiences want from a movie-thrills, laughs, beautiful people, and flat-out fun. There are two spiritual anchors you can plant in Ocean's Eleven. First, much of the plot is based on grudges between the various characters, and unfortunately, many people can relate to the desire to sabotage someone because of a long-standing hurt. Christians don't have the luxury of holding grudges, though, because God calls us to be motivated by love. Help your young people refocus their energy into love and forgiveness by deconstructing a grudge and its consequences. Also, though it's a somewhat skewed analogy, you can point out that nothing is impossible with God. (I don't think God empowers someone to pull off the crime of the century, but bear with me.) Logic says Danny Ocean's plan can't possibly succeed. Nevertheless, the men move forward with all of their knowledge, abilities, and zeal. God often places the impossible (not the robbing-casinos kind) in the path of his children. It's at that point we must choose whether to step out in faith, committing all of our energies and talents to the task or give up by embracing fear and doubt. You are challenged to welcome the impossible and step out boldly in faith because they have an Almighty God who wants to work through them. Anyone looking for a movie that says something and makes the world a better place might want to sit this one out. The rest of us who just want to get lost and be entertained for a few hours will find Ocean's Eleven the perfect escape. Topic for Discussion We shouldn't base our opinion of others on initial appearance. Case in Point: Danny and Rusty watch some Chinese gymnasts performing at a circus. Danny's nonplussed with their acrobatics until Yen executes some amazing back flips between two poles. More Than A Movie: We're so quick to pass snap judgments based upon initial impressions and experiences. Within moments we determine a person's personality and capabilities. Many people judged Jesus by what they saw, and they were never more wrong. You should continue to develop an open mind and heart, giving others time and opportunity to reveal themselves. Discussion Questions:  ·How long does it usually take you to form an opinion about a person? ·What factors influence your opinion?  ·Read aloud Isaiah 53:1-3. What would people have needed to do in order to form the correct opinion of Jesus? ·Why do you think we're so inclined to quickly judge people based on outward appearances? ·How does it make you feel when you stop and realize that others are judging you solely by your appearance? How different would your life feel if you knew that others weren't judging you on this basis? ·How much time do you think it would take for someone to get to know the real you? ·How can you learn to become more willing to give others a chance to reveal their true selves? Topic for Discussion We should be good stewards with our money. Case in Point: Rusty teaches some young Hollywood actors how to play poker. The actors display their cluelessness by dealing incorrectly, using improper terminology, and even thinking they can win with junk hands. More Than a Movie: Gambling remains popular, even with young people. Although there's nothing wrong with having fun playing cards, betting money on the outcome falls under poor use of our God-given funds. Lets explore the definition of good stewardship, and find practical ways to become good stewards. Discussion Questions:  ·Besides gambling, what are some others ways that people use money frivolously or unwisely? ·How would you define the meaning of "stewardship"? ·How can we discern the line between good and bad stewardship? ·Read aloud Luke 16:1-2. What's the connection between the way we use money and our relationship with God? ·To what extent can we spend money on ourselves and still be good stewards? To what extent can we spend money on others and still be good stewards? ·Do you think that God calls everyone to the same standard of stewardship regarding money? Why or why not? ·What are some practical ways that you can become a better steward with your money? Topic for Discussion We tend to give excuses to justify our sins. Case in Point: This whole movie deals with gambling, theft, and revenge. Much of the plot is based on grudges between the various characters, and unfortunately, many people can relate to the desire to sabotage someone because of a long-standing hurt. Gambling is a definite temptation and theft is just out right wrong. The justification here is that they only steal money from casinos and casinos steal money from the people, so it's okay. More Than a Movie: We have a million and one ways to make our sin not only seem okay but actually the "righteous" thing to do in a situation. From white lies to premarital sex to murder, people find excuses for their moral failures. You are challenged to leave the world's values behind and view your choices in spirit and truth. Discussion Questions: ·Have you or someone you know ever rationalized sin? What happened? ·What motivates people to convince themselves and others that sin is okay? ·Read aloud Isaiah 5:20-24. Where do you see people exchanging truth for lies in society today? ·How do these attitudes creep into your life?  ·What makes rationalizing sin so dangerous?  ·What can you do to clearly draw the line between sin and righteousness in your life? Word to The Wise BLOOD/GORE  ?  Danny has a few bloody scrapes/cuts on his face in one scene. PROFANITY  ?  At least 1 "f" word, 7 "s" words, 1 slang term for sex ("screw"), 3 hells, 5 uses of "G-damn," 2 each of "Jesus" and "Oh Jesus" and 1 use each of "For God's sakes" and "God" as exclamations. SEX/NUDITY  ?  In the background of various shots where Rusty's teaching others how to gamble, we occasionally and briefly see female dancers - in various forms of scanty attire - doing their thing while men watch them. ?  We see a woman dressed in a tight nurse's outfit doing a suggestive dance (including partially running her hands along her body). ?  When Rusty discovers that Tess is in the picture, he asks Danny if the heist is about "screwing the guy who's screwing your wife." ?  Posing as a gaming commission agent, Linus says that Frank has a criminal record "longer than my&ldots;" but doesn't finish the comparison. ?  We briefly see a flyer for hookers that shows a woman holding her hands over her obviously bare breasts. VIOLENCE  ?  We see some flashback footage (somewhat played for laughs) as Reuben recounts how various people tried to rob casinos in the past. During this, we see one man being tackled after grabbing a lockbox; another guy pushes people out of the way before a cop/guard hits him in the face with his nightstick; and three guards/cops shoot a third guy in the back as he runs out onto the street with stolen money (seen from a distance with no blood). ?  During a race between a small, remote controlled truck ("driven" by Virgil) and a monster truck driven by his brother, Turk suddenly, but purposefully turns and drives over the smaller truck, destroying it. ?  Explosives are used to blow a vault door open.  ?  Acting like an ATF agent, Rusty pushes Basher up against a police car. As they walk away moments later, a car behind them explodes. ?  Linus breaks through a window to escape from a building (seen from a distance). ?  Yen's fingers are accidentally smashed as the back door of a van closes on them. ?  A large man punches Danny in the face. He later makes sounds as if he's beating up Danny to fool some other men. ?  After the power goes out in the Vegas and the lights then come back on, we see various people pushing and shoving others to get at the money in a casino. Meanwhile, a large-scale scuffle breaks out inside a boxing ring. ?  Danny slides something across the floor toward two guards. We then hear some sort of sound and then see that the two men are unconscious (but we don't know exactly why). ?  Explosives blow a vault door open and cause some damage inside. ?  We hear gunfire over a radio, but later learn and see that it was all staged (and that no one was hurt or threatened). ?  Various guards train their guns on a van and its unseen driver. They then shoot out the van's tires. There's then a small explosion in the van, resulting in a fire (but no one is visibly hurt).