Director: Gary Ross
Writer: Olivia Milch
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Rihanna, and Anne Hathaway
Danny Ocean is dead and little sister Debbie is finally paroled and ready to make some mischief of her own. With her own handpicked crew of femme fatales, Debbie plans the heist of the century. If all goes as planned there will be enough money to right some wrongs and give up the con game for good.
This spin-off of the Ocean’s franchise is a tribute to women’s empowerment with an all-star cast and several quick cameos. Bullock is the calculating Debbie Ocean, following in her big brother’s footsteps. She is a slick talker and mover, who through a series of small cons manages to get a room at New York City’s Plaza Hotel and thousands of dollars in designer merchandise within minutes of her release from prison. Her return to society mimics that of Danny in the very first Ocean film set in Vegas. This early nod to the 2001 film sets up the framework for a fun suspenseful caper complete with flashbacks, revenge and tons of girl power. This new film has a similar format to the earlier films that fans will appreciate. Ocean’s 8 is as exciting as its predecessors with tense moments, high caliber cameos and a big twist at the end.
For this new adaptation in the Ocean series, Clooney and Pitt are replaced by Bullock and Blanchett respectively. In this role, Bullock isn’t her usual bubbly, fumbling self. Debbie is a cooler more measured character than we’ve seen Bullock play. The megawatt smile we know and love is replaced with a sly smirk, that takes some getting used to. Cate Blanchett is close friend and partner in crime. Lou gives us rock star vibes, with her messy bob and motorcycle. The duo has great comedic timing playing off one another in fun one-liners and occasional silliness. One of the funnier moments of the film finds the duo blowing bubbles outside of a posh restaurant to distract air headed designer Rose Weil. The rest of the crew is an eclectic group featuring a cocky hacker, ditzy fashion designer, bored housewife and a pickpocket skater. The combination of personalities and special skills makes for an interesting dynamic and watchable camaraderie. There isn’t a real break out star in this ensemble cast, as each character has their own moment to shine. Though the film features a few appearances from characters in the earlier Ocean films, Matt Damon’s rumored cameo remains on the cutting room floor. Public outcry may have kept him from being included in this ode to the power of women. Also, absent from the film is a proper explanation for Danny’s demise. As fans of this franchise, we are hopeful and look forward to the next big heist.
Ocean’s 8 hits theaters Friday, June 8!