I have to start out writing this review by saying that this marks my first Ocean's film. And yes, I think it counts because it has the name Ocean's in it and I bet it's just as fun as its predecessors. I haven't watched any of the previous George Clooney films with their all male casts. That's my guilty statement. Now for my review. With all the comic book superhero summer blockbusters coming out, Ocean's 8 is a great alternative film for the summer. The outstanding female cast is just what we need from Hollywood now. It’s a silly enjoyable escape from all the messy current events that we are facing today. It's always a joy to have the regular summer superheroes save the day, but it's just as fun to see female superstars in an interesting caper.
The film starts with Debbie Ocean, Danny Ocean's estranged sister, getting released from prison. She gathers an all-female lineup to attempt an impossible heist at New York City's lavish yearly Met Gala, held in May. What they are trying to steal is an one-of-a-kind, $150 million diamond necklace from the celebrity who is going to wear it. From there, the audience gets to see how the robbery goes down. Since we are in the good hands of these clever female characters, you know that it's going to be enjoyable. There are small Easter eggs from the previous Ocean films that the director and writers added. They were aiming for the fans of the previous Ocean films. Unfortunately, I didn't understand them but the friends I was with did. The one thing I hope that wasn't intentional was setting the event at the Met Gala just because it was an all female cast. It's a great and unique heist location, but it seems odd that the men get the casino and the women get a glamorous fashion fundraiser. I hope that's not the case because I think women are capable of pulling off any kind of a heist that men can do. If men can steal from a casino, so can females. I am, however, pleased that this isn't an all female remake of Ocean's 11. There is some originality accounted for in making this film.
The reason I think this film worked so well, for me personally, was the chemistry from the cast. They clearly all had a strong relationship both on-camera and off-camera. Before watching the film, I watched the cast interviews and they were all having so much fun and strongly displayed their impressive energy of love towards one another. That being said, each of them was at the top of her game. Sandra Bullock plays Debbie Ocean, the one steering the heist, with such an amusing and spunky attitude. Cate Blanchett portrays Debbie's right hand man type of assistant, Lou, and is enjoyable to watch in a role she doesn't play that often. Both of them then find Mindy Kailing's Amita who is a jeweler and does a variety of suspicious things for Debbie. Debbie and Lou then recruit a con artist and thief, played very lively by actress/musician Awkwafina. Sarah Paulson portrays a wife and mom who somehow is able to take on any role Debbie asks of her. A good team always needs a great hacker, and Rihanna is that person. She goes by the name of Nine Ball and solves every little security challenge thrown at her. Debbie and Lou finally enlist fashion designer Rose Weil, hilariously played by Helena Bonham Carter. Rose is the one asset to get them close to the celebrity, who is going to wear that necklace the night of the Gala. The final person (who has no idea she is even being recruited) is the celebrity herself, Daphne Klugar, played by Anne Hathaway. It's a bit ironic that she's an actress playing an actress. All the actors, I felt, let loose and had fun with each of their roles. It wasn't an acting challenge, necessarily, but it sure was fun to watch. This is an ensemble film, but there were also other great aspects, from the beautiful, expensive costumes, to the breezy score, all the way down to the lovely set locations. This film may not be Oscar worthy, but it was a pleasure to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and hope another film like this comes along in the upcoming years because I believe an all female cast has a very powerful force that needs to be heard by the public.
Rating: 8.0/10