Our take on... Ocean's 8
Following on from the all female version of “Ghostbusters” from a couple of years back, the producers of this film seem to have learned from the mistakes of that film, because instead of being a straight remake, it works as a sequel to the first three “Oceans” films as well as a spin off, except instead of Clooney and his mates larking around, we get an all female team trying to pull off the heist of a lifetime. Sandra Bullock stars as a recently released from prison Debbie Ocean, sister of George Clooney’s Danny, and she proceeds to reassemble her crew to put together said heist. Her right hand woman, played by Cate Blanchette, helps her along with the recruiting process.
Blanchette and Bullock make for a great centre of the film, their characters relationship is well defined and you can really buy that they have been friends and “co-workers” (for lack of a better term) for a long team. The team the assemble is a great cross section of diverse actresses such as Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Poulson, Mindy Kaling, as well as musicians turned actors, Rihanna and Awkwafina. Each character has her own special set of skills which makes each one valuable to the team. Nobody feels like a spare part, and the sharp script makes sure that the usual clichés of a female led film don’t crop up. There’s no falling out and reconciliation among the Ocean’s crew – everyone has their job to do and they are totally focused on it. That’s not to say that they don’t have fun along the way. The banter between each of the ladies is very natural and they all seem to be having a great time. Anne Hathaway also stars as the Hollywood starlet who is the target of the heist and she has a ball playing an exaggerated version of a spoiled actress. Even James Corden’s appearance can’t derail this film.
“Ocean’s Eight” stands right up to the best of the original trilogy led by Clooney and Pitt and a sequel would definitely not be out of the question for me. It’s a fun, light romp that flies by and has enough clever twists and turns along the way, as well as a couple of fun little cameos from Danny Ocean’s crew as well.
These are the learned words of our Kevin Dillon, @kevinwritestuff
Ocean's 8 is available on DVD and Blu-Ray in all our stores nationwide and here at goldendiscs.ie.
