Today’s quick review: Ocean’s Eight. Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock), a thief just released from prison, approaches her partner Lou (Cate Blanchett) with a daring plan: to steal a $150 million diamond necklace off the neck of celebrity Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway) at the Met Gala. To pull it off, they will need a crew (Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina, and Sarah Paulson) with just the right skills to beat the Met’s tight security.
Ocean’s Eight is a crime comedy with an ensemble cast. Ocean’s Eight is a spinoff of the Ocean’s Eleven series that follows Danny Ocean’s sister Debbie on the heist of a lifetime. The movie hits many of the same beats as its predecessors: a juicy target, a large crew, a plan that relies on subterfuge and misdirection, and a light tone that avoids heavy drama or violence. Though not as sharp as Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Eight carves out a niche as a fun watch.
Ocean’s Eight gets the basics right. Sandra Bullock makes for a likable protagonist as Debbie Ocean, a clever thief with the drive to succeed. The film builds up its heist well, laying out the stages in Debbie’s plan while saving a few surprises for later on. The plot doesn’t quite stick the landing, but it’s paced well and has enough going on to entertain. The last piece of the puzzle is the humor, which mainly takes the form of banter among the crew.
Still, the movie’s charms only go so far. The plot is one or two twists short of being engrossing. The jokes are often amusing but never hilarious, and the humor as a whole lacks the snappy rhythm of Ocean’s Eleven. The cast is also not used as well as it could have been. Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, and Helena Bonham Carter end up doing most of the work, but Cate Blanchett fades into the background and the others have only modest parts.
Ocean’s Eight is a decent popcorn flick with just enough in the way of plot, comedy, and star power to make for an entertaining watch. Those hoping for a return to form for the Ocean’s series may want to temper their expectations. But those looking for light, amusing heist will come out satisfied. For another crime comedy in a similar vein, check out Ocean’s Thirteen. For a more action-oriented heist, check out The Italian Job.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for decent entertainment value.