@aabattery @That One Guy
Finally got around to O13.
O11 = O12 = O13
I think this is one of the rare trilogies where each film is consistently great. I mean, 13 is a bit too much of a course correction, and it doesn't quite go all out as 12, or have a consistent quality like 11, but I also think it has some of the best moments out of the whole franchise. Al Pacino's great, Catherine Zeta-Jones gets expanded and has a lot more fun things to do, the color scheme is super good (a lot of the single-color shots felt very Magic Mike-esque), Andy Garcia was absolutely wonderful, Casey Affleck's Mexican subplot is...weird, but pretty funny (although maybe it hasn't aged well today), and it probably has my favorite ending out of all of the movies. Only real downside is the lack of Julia Roberts.
It was also through marathoning these movies that I realized what really makes all three great is just how likable and endearing the characters are. In the end, the heist stuff is probably the least interesting aspect to these films, at least for me. These really work so well because Soderbergh really allows these actors to let loose and for these characters to breathe and interact with one another. It's like a wild guys night out with your friends on a fancy vacation, being documented by a guy who is really good at summarizing the best parts of that vacation.
I don't know when I'm seeing O8 (making plans to see it with Mom, but she's always busy with stuff), but I do really hope that Gary Ross is aware the heist stuff doesn't matter, but all the character interaction is what makes those movies special, at least to me. All I want to see a group of friends hang out and have fun, and if that happens, I'll be a happy camper.