How to pull off the perfect heist flick
Ocean’s 8 is a fun, glamorous and diverse film that delivers just enough laughs and plot twists to make for a thoroughly enjoyable romp.
Loosely related to the Ocean’s films of the early-to-mid-2000s starring the likes of George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, Ocean’s 8 breaks free from the male-dominated previous instalments to create a kickass female-driven film. Main character Debbie is the sister of original Ocean’s conman Danny (played by Clooney) which is pretty much the only ‘Ocean’s’ knowledge you need in order to enjoy this new film. There are a few references to the original films which will please long-time fans however it tries not to hover there too long. I was a little disappointed that a very obvious cameo was missed however it seems the ending of Ocean’s 8 could be open to a sequel and that sequel may just feature the face we were all waiting for.
Speaking of the cast, they were all incredible. Lou – played by Cate Blanchett – was a personal favourite as she strutted across the screen in her impeccable pantsuits and spoke in her natural Aussie accent. Title character Debbie Ocean proves that Sandra Bullock can still command attention as easily as ever and is completely believable as a suave and sophisticated con-woman who has incredible chemistry with ‘Partner in Crime’ Lou. Newcomer Awkwafina earns a few laughs through her role as Constance and it was nice to see Rhianna’s return to screen after a few months of laying low, as she plays the mysterious ‘Nine Ball’. The rest of the amazing ladies making up the main cast include Sarah Paulson as Tammy, Helena Bonham Carter as kooky fashion designer Rose, Mindy Kaling as Amita and last but certainly not least Anne Hathaway who plays the incredibly charming Daphne Kluger, an almost-parody of the A-list celebrities of Hollywood.
Ocean’s 8 is incredibly glamorous. For anyone that has ever wanted to go to the Met Gala (or, like me, wanted to understand what the Met Gala is) this film might be the closest you ever get. With celebrity cameos including at least one Kardashian and one Jenner as well as Heidi Klum, Olivia Munn, Katie Holmes, Anna Wintour and one of the Hadid sisters, the second half of the film is filled with enough glitz and glamour you may think they managed to actually film the Met Gala (they didn’t, but they spared no expense in recreating the iconic event).
The film itself is fun; there’s nothing too serious or life-changing about it but it certainly fits the bill for a movie created as a form of escapism. Nobody will be offended by anything in this film and yet there seems to be something for everyone. It’s a typical heist film featuring typical heist antics – a montage of planning how it will be done, a moment where it seems to all be unravelling and a nosy detective-like character at the end who comes a little too close to the right answer, a character who in this film is played by the always funny James Cordon and deserved more screen time.
In short, Ocean’s 8 is filled with drama, laughs and a few well-placed moments of suspense. Yeah, It’s cheesy and predictable but it’s also just really really fun.