Laura’s Rating: 4/5 Stars
I resisted watching this movie for a long time because I’m tired of Hollywood remaking male stories into female ones. Women have different stories and rather than adapting old plots to fit a new cast, screenwriters should give women their own adventures. That being said, I have to give the movie credit in that it is entertaining and does a good job of featuring its female leads in roles that feel authentic.
The Analysis:
The film is really a spin-off rather than a remake. Sandra Bullock stars as Debbie Ocean, the sister of Danny Ocean from 2001’s Ocean’s Eleven and its sequels. After her release from prison, Debbie reunites with her partner-in-crime Lou (Blanchett) and proposes they assemble a crew for a heist. While incarcerated, Debbie thought out every possible scenario and detail in order to plan an elaborate robbery of a $150 million diamond necklace. The heist will take place at the Met Gala in New York City if Debbie and her crew can actually pull it off.
As I said earlier, I was worried that the Ocean’s movie structure would force this film into being a low quality remake. However, while the central setup of a heist with a large crew remained the same, the specific plan and characters were original. Sandra Bullock as Debbie Ocean exudes confidence, making her the perfect leader of a group of diverse women. Even in a large squad, recognizable actresses like Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter did not lose their unique styles. Newer faces like Awkwafina and Mindy Kaling fit right in alongside veteran stars like Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathway, and Sarah Paulson. The heist plan at the Met Gala feels distinctly female and showcases a wide array of strengths from the crew including hacking security systems, party planning, and even jewelry making. Refreshingly, there is also no central love story, which allows the women to focus on their plan and skills. I would recommend Ocean's 8 for fans of heist films looking for a plot that feels fresh while still maintaining the classic elements of a sophisticated robbery movie.
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