Ocean’s 8 – Film Review
Reviewed by Nicole Newton-Plater on the 9th of June 2018
Roadshow presents a film by Gary Ross
Produced by Steven Soderbergh and Susan Ekins
Screenplay by Gary Ross and Olivia Milch
Starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter
Music by Daniel Pemberton
Cinematography Eigil Bryld
Edited by Juliette Welfling
Rating: M
Running Time: 110 minutes
Release Date: the 7th of June 2018
Oceans 8 is here to remind us that the female reboot is not just alive and well but in perfect health.
The male-dominated Oceans trilogy lost its legs and grew tired over a decade ago. However, Gary Ross and co-writer Olivia Milch have revived the franchise with the same thrills discovered in Steven Soderbergh’s original movie, albeit with a little more designer chic.
Oceans 8 is joyous to watch. Entertainment’s most powerful female voices portray eight strong women who are even more interesting to watch than their male counterparts and far better dressed.
The ladies team together to take on the impossible task of stealing one of the most expensive pieces of jewellery in the world during the glitz and glamour of the world-famous Met Gala. The outcome of the heist may be extremely predictable, and therefore not as suspenseful as it should be. Yet the organisation of the perfect crime is incredibly entertaining in it’s fun and intelligent execution.
While Sandra Bullock’s Debbie Ocean, Cate Blanchett’s Lou, Anne Hathaway’s Daphne Kluger and Helena Bonham Carter’s Rose Weil are the characters that are the most fleshed out, each lady has their own set of distinct character traits that are celebrated.
The film speaks volumes about how there isn’t one right way to be a strong woman and that being strong and independent doesn’t mean belittling men or being physically powerful. The cast is diverse and embraces the beauty in minority groups too with a specific focus on those in New York City.
However much of a pun it may be, for some Oceans 8 may tend to flow a little too well by not being overly intense or emotional. However, others may embrace this feel. The film is incredibly entertaining, easy to watch and enjoyable, especially with Blanchett’s witty and well-timed dialogue and Hathaway’s hilarious return to her comedic roots as a spoilt, pretentious socialite.
It is a feast for the eyes due to the outstanding costume design by Sarah Edwards of the ladies’ enviable wardrobes and Met Gala attire, and the exquisite production design by Alex DiGerlando. The recreation of the world of the prestigious Met Gala is aesthetically pleasing in every way with its glamorous ambience, high-end fashion and overflow of A-list celebrities.
Oceans 8 is a whole load of fun and the type of reboot we crave for where the filmmakers use the original as inspiration and not as a chance to rehash a worn-out story.
Summary: Oceans 8 is a whole load of fun and the type of reboot we crave for where the filmmakers use the original as inspiration and not as a chance to rehash a worn-out story.
4
Joyous
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