I love heist films and came across Ocean’s 8 (2018) a while back. It was only after watching it that I discovered it wasn't a standalone movie but a spinoff of Ocean's trilogy and also an installment in the Ocean's franchise. That means there are more captivating heist movies waiting for me.
Ocean's 8 easily caught my attention because of the cast and it also has all the ingredients of a good heist movie. Nothing is more entertaining like watching a group of women with different talents walk confidently into an event knowing they have carefully coordinated plans to make off an expensive jewel while leaving everyone else none the wiser. That's what this movie offers.
Written by Ross and Olivia Milch, and directed by Gary Ross, this movie stars an ensemble cast including Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina and other actors. It follows Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) who has spent years planning a heist in prison. Released, she wastes no time putting her plan into motion. Her target is a Cartier diamond necklace worth an obscene amount of money and she intends to steal it at the Met Gala.
She reaches out to her longtime friend, Lou (Care Blanchett) and together they assemble a team of women with different talents. They include a jeweller, a fashion designer, a hacker, a pickpocket, a skilled con artist and others who each bring something useful to the operation.
Their plan also involves Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway) whose task is to wear the diamond necklace so the team of women can easily access, scan and replace it with a fake. Once the plan is in place, and the Met Gala begins, the women move into action. Will these women successfully carry out the heist or will they be caught?
My Review And Rating
I enjoyed this movie simply because it focused on the power of women standing up for themselves, sticking with each other and making the impossible happen. Even better, the ensemble cast elevates the movie with their charm and acting skill. The movie gives us eight women who are good at what they do and lets them do it confidently.
The plot is solid and the storytelling is better. It was entertaining for me to watch all the pieces come together in the 110 minutes running time. The film moves between planning and execution, showing us what it takes to plan something that big. There are disguises, distractions, lies and carefully timed moves. Not everything is exactly what it seems but the movie keeps the surprises light and enjoyable to watch.
The cast of eight women are outstanding in their performance. Sandra Bullock carries the film with a calmness that suits her character. She's the brains of the team and is always thinking ahead. Cate Blanchett is enjoyable as Lou, Debbie's friend. Their friendship feels natural and their scenes together have the relaxed chemistry of two people who know each other.
Anne Hathaway surprised me the most. Her character could easily have been written as the typical shallow celebrity who exists only to be manipulated by people around her. Hathaway gives the character more personality than that. She knows how to make Daphne Kulger amusing without turning her into a complete joke and that made her one of the more entertaining characters in the movie.
The rest of the cast works well as an ensemble. I like that the scriptwriter gives each of the women enough screen time to shine. I like the way the women worked together without the story forcing unnecessary rivalry between them. Their differences become part of their strength. I would have enjoyed learning more about some of the supporting cast but the story keeps moving and does not spend much time slowing down for individual backstories.
The cinematography and visuals are impressive. This movie feels more playful than dangerous and I like that it doesn't take itself seriously. Though the stakes are high with some suspense, it's a little too relaxed and that is not bad, in my opinion. The Met Gala setting also gives the movie a stylish vibe on the surface with careful deception underneath.
Rating this movie, I'd give it 8.5 out of 10 stars. Ocean's Eight is stylish, playful and entertaining. The cast makes the viewing experience more enjoyable.
All images above are screenshots from the movie
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Rating: 85/100
