Following interviews, it became evident that Ocean’s 8 was eagerly anticipated by viewers everywhere. Steven Soderbergh’s franchise will surely continue its success through this female-led spin-off film which deserves our appreciation and viewing pleasure.
Sandra Bullock stars as Debbie Ocean, sister to Danny Ocean (played by Danny DeVito). She recruits a group of skilled women in order to take down art dealer Claude Beckett who imprisoned her five years earlier.
Plot
Ocean’s 13 is set years after Ocean’s 11 and pays homage to Rusty (Brad Pitt), the mastermind who orchestrated three casino heists in its predecessor. Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) recruits a team of women to steal Cartier’s radiant Toussaint diamond necklace adorning actress Daphne Kluger as part of her goal for pulling off a high-profile heist during this year’s Met Gala, specifically.
Olivia Milch and Gary Ross’ script is an irreverent yet humorous take on the crime genre that avoids heavy-handed moralizing in favor of comedy and entertainment. There’s an air that the women are only out for themselves – which makes for enjoyable viewing! These ladies are smart, resourceful, and charismatic making for an exciting watch!
But for all its talent and wit, it’s impossible to overlook how much of this movie hints at the #MeToo movement. While this doesn’t directly respond to it, its significance seems more prominent here than any other Hollywood blockbuster in recent memory.
However, Ocean’s 8 is still an entertaining popcorn movie that should please fans of its franchise. Its zippy buddy movie pace celebrates a diverse cast of women dressed to kill who know how to have fun and stay out late into the night. While its heist plot may seem standard at times, its execution proves excellent with a satisfying finish sure to satisfy fans of Ocean’s 8.
Some critics have mistakenly labeled this movie as a “chick flick,” which is nothing more than an easy way of labeling something fun and enjoyable. When so many famous faces appear together in one film, labelling is only done to fit it into an already oversaturated genre; when actually, this heist movie stands up very well against its peers.
Characters
Steven Soderbergh reimagined the Ocean’s franchise with an ensemble cast, featuring many familiar — yet mostly male — faces to capture Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack. But in Ocean’s 8, women take center stage as each member of this all-female crew is an expert at their respective profession.
Bullock’s Debbie is an adept leader, even after just being released from prison with little in her account; thus she quickly assembled a team of specialists in order to plan the Met Gala heist successfully. Lou (Cate Blanchett) becomes her key ally.
Rose Weil, an embattled fashion designer in debt to the IRS; Amita, a jewelry maker; Nine Ball (computer hacker); Constance (pickpocket and street hustler), Tammy (money launderer), and Yen (Shaobo Qin), an ex-member of Chinese mob Yen). Each has his/her own special skill but also comes equipped with their own set of personal issues.
Though they differ greatly in personalities and viewpoints, the women work seamlessly as a team and their chemistry is undeniable. Even when their plans for an elaborate heist may be foiled by unexpected bail-outs or bailouts themselves, the girls remain unscathed due to an amazing ensemble cast including Hathaway and Paulson’s outrageous double-crosses, Rihanna’s clever dialogue, and Bonham Carter’s collection of eccentric behaviors and habits.
Ocean’s 8 isn’t quite up to par with its predecessors, but it is still worth experiencing as a fun caper and sending positive messages about women in the workplace. Perhaps Ocean’s 8 will spur on more films with female leads in roles not solely defined by genetic inheritance.
Performances
Ocean’s 8 is an engaging film despite its lackluster script. Thanks to an exceptional ensemble cast including Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock’s old-fashioned screen magic which allows them to interact so effortlessly on screen; but other members make up an effective unit as well. James Corden (from Into the Woods fame) especially shines in this one – his performance as Debbie’s insurance investigator stands out distinctly.
Ocean’s 8 differs significantly from its predecessor trilogy in that it relies more heavily on character moments than tight narrative arcs. While this could have been used as an asset, director Gary Ross botches both group shots and heroic montages, giving enough screen time for all actors but ultimately giving each actor too much spotlight to shine in equal measures – which is unfortunate given that some are excellent actors in their fields.
The biggest difficulty lies in its absence of an engaging antagonist; Claude Becker, an art dealer who let Debbie take the fall for an elaborate theft that earned her five years in jail, plays only a peripheral role in this version and lacks sufficient narrative impetus; without such an antagonistic force present on-screen, there can only be character battles to keep viewers interested in watching this film.
As for the supporting cast, Awkwafina and Hathaway stand out. Awkwafina gives an explosive performance as Debbie’s second in command; Hathaway stands out as Daphne, an elegant femme who finds pleasure in even small gestures.
Ocean’s 8 is an enjoyable heist film with only minor audio issues that mar its enjoyment, yet lacks the same exuberant energy found in Steven Soderbergh’s original trilogy. Perhaps had director Gary Ross focused more on scenic glamour over character-driven drama, this could have made for an even better viewing experience; for now though it serves only as an enjoyable yet disposable summer flick.