Ocean's 8

July 15, 2020 - So, funny story. I saw this film when it came out in 2018. Or, I guess I should say I saw about half of this film. See, it was playing on two screens at the multiplex, and I ended up going into the theater where it had already started. It's hard to look at theater numbers while trying not to spill popcorn and soda! Anyway, it took a couple of years and access to a pay channel, but I have now finally watched the whole movie from start to finish.

Sandra Bullock leads an all-star cast of leading ladies in this heist movie that follows from the Ocean's Eleven series that starred George Clooney. Here, Bullock assembles a crew that includes Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Awkwafina, and Mindy Kaling. James Corden has a small role, and look for cameos from Marlo Thomas and others.

Bullock plays Debbie Ocean, sister of Clooney's now dearly departed Danny Ocean. Debbie has just been paroled from prison, where she served five years or so for a con that her boyfriend framed her for. Debbie put her time behind bars to good use – planning the perfect heist down to the very last detail. Now that she's out, it's time to put her plan into action!

What is the plan? Debbie intends to steal a valuable necklace during the upcoming Met Gala in Manhattan. To pull it off, she'll need help from Lou (Blanchett), her former partner in petty crime, along with several other willing accomplices. Each member of the crew lends her unique talents in exchange for Debbie's promise that this will be the last job they'll ever have to do.

Overall review: ** All the star power makes the film easy enough to watch. It's also lovely to look at, with stylish sets and fast-moving scenes. But, I can't help feeling snookered by the whole thing. Sure, Debbie Ocean is a charismatic mastermind, but the film is too clever by half. You root for Debbie and her crew to get away with the goods. But, you're also a victim of this two-hour long con job.