No hate for Ocean’s 8

Ocean’s 8 (2018)
PG-13 | 1h 50min | Action, Comedy, Crime | 8 June 2018 (USA)

Synopsis: Debbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala.

Review: When it comes to the Ocean’s franchise fans love 11 but very few can agree on 12 and 13. The vote is usually spit when it comes to the latter films. So how will OCEAN’S 8 fit into the mix? The hope is that everyone will see it for what it is; a slick heist film that brings something borrowed and something new. Of course you have your cynics but if you changed the name and a few characters the haters would probably embrace it and even compare it to Ocean’s 11. The would say things like, “I was great! It felt like a female Ocean’s 11!”. SMH

Debbie (Sandra Bullock) is Danny Ocean’s sister. When we meet her she is in prison trying to snag parole. Sound familiar? Once out she immediately begins to assemble a team to pull off a one of a kind heist. Sound even more familiar? As the movie progresses there are more homages and similarities to the franchise but at the same time 8 easily makes a name for itself. The characters are entertaining and the intricacies of the plot are intriguing and fathomable. It has everything you would want in an action comedy.

The cast works well because each of the women play to their own strengths. There is little personal ego in this one even if the characters themselves have it. Maybe they felt the pressure to succeed and went the extra mile to make sure they gelled. Regardless you end up with eight strong, talented, powerful women who work well together to bring about a film people can’t wait to hate. And they do it without ever losing the wink and smile that keeps it light and enjoyable.

Setting the heist at the Met Gala opens the door for lots of added value. Star studded cameos and glamorous fashion add a pop of flash to this one. Debbie and her partner in crime Lou (Cate Blanchett) decide to use high profile actress Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway) as a pawn in their scheme. Hathaway plays up the role nicely and seems to have a knack for poking fun at her own profession. Once inside the rest of the team go to work to hatch Debbie’s long planned plot.

Audiences will appreciate the pacing of this one. Though a few ticks shy of two-hours this one doesn’t feel long at all. It never bogs down in unnecessary plot holes nor does it try and bring about a big roadblock near the end. That is refreshing. Yes there are some unexpected twists but they are good ones and even they never break stride with the momentum. OCEAN’S 8 is rated PG-13 for language, drug use, and some suggestive content and has very little to offend or embarrass movie goers. I give it a strong 3 out of 5 slight of hands. I caught a lot of flack for praising the all female Ghostbusters reboot and may catch some here as well. But it isn’t warranted and I promise you that if you give this one a chance you will walk away highly entertained. Plus I am happy to say that they easily keep the story line open for future antics.