"Ocean's 8" Film Review

"Ocean's 8" Film Review

Rating: 5/5

By: Nathaniel Simpson

    "You would've loved it" are the last words spoken in the film. Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) tells this to the grave that holds her deceased brother Danny Ocean, who was played by George Clooney in the original trilogy. We watched the guys in action, and now it's time for the women to take control.

    Debbie is freed from prison after five years on parole, claiming she is going to get her life back on track. That promise obviously doesn't ring true as in the next scenes, we see her robbing different stores right under their noses. She reunites with her longtime friend Lou (Cate Blanchett), and they go to work on performing a heist at the annual Met Gala.

    What are they robbing? The real question is actually "who" are they robbing? They set their sights on Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway), who is one of the hottest stars at the moment. They want to steal the necklace she is going to wear, which is worth over $150 million. They enlist the help of women such as Rihanna, Awkwafina, and more. 

    This film is wickedly funny and smart. The jokes and gags are so subtle and hilarious that it makes you laugh out loud. Consider the scene where Rose (Helena Bonham Carter) is meeting Daphne for lunch to talk about the dress for the Met Gala. Debbie and Lou tell her not to make too much eye contact, prompting them to stand out the window to distract Rose. We then cut back to Rose watching them, and her expression changes. We then see the two outside the window, with bubble blowers. It's so unexpected, which makes it so hilarious. Rose's facial reaction to them makes it even funnier. 

    The chemistry between all the females are spot on and so much fun to watch. They act so comfortable around each other and are great at bouncing jokes off one another. Take the scene where they first meet Constance (Awkwafina). They go to a Subway and tell her the plan. But when she's about to walk to the counter, Debbie asks her to return both her and Lou's watches. She then shyly gives them the watches, apologizing. The whole scene just feels so natural and funny; it doesn't seem scripted at all. 

    One of the only grievances I have for this film is the missed opportunity to have Clooney return to portray the character of Danny. Throughout the film, Debbie questions whether or not he is really dead. Maybe he faked his death and is in hiding. When I watched this film for the first time, I expected Danny to walk around the corner and surprise Debbie in the final scene. I still expect that every time I watch this film. Perhaps there will be a sequel to this film, and the return of Danny Ocean himself.