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Sandra Bullock is master of the disingenuous in Writer and Director Gary Ross’s reboot “Ocean’s 8”. Sandra plays Debbie Ocean, the younger sister of Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney in the previous “Ocean’s” movies, who is released from prison after 5 years. Note that George only appears in the photo.
Sandra’s Debbie rightfully served her time for robbery and fraud. She’s not a really good person. Once freed with $45 to her name, unrepentant Debbie immediately returns to her life of crime. Debbie admits to her business and possibly past romantic partner Lou, elegantly cool Cate Blanchett, “Because I’m good at it.”
During her years in solitary confinement, Debbie devised the proofed scheme to rob the Met Gala in New York City. Specifically, steal the $150 million dollars Trouisant necklace worn by ego manic actress Daphne Kluger, hysterically vapid Anne Hathaway. Lou and Debbie assemble their super team. Aside from pure larceny, Debbie’s real motives seemingly reveal. Lou angrily confronts Debbie’s con job to avenge her former lover’s betrayal. Cate and Sandra’s authentic no bull chemistry elevates and personalizes the often superfluous narrative by screenwriters Ross and Olivia Milch.
“Ocean’s 8” is still unexpected hilarious fun. Yet, it rings hollow at times. Is it only about stealing priceless jewels? Is it about Debbie exacting revenge upon ex-lover art dealer Claude, played by lizard-like charming Richard Armitage? Yeah, it’s about the very talented women, who are way smarter, attempting the impossible heist. Still watching you wonder: Is there more?
Not surprisingly, Sandra is beautiful and smart as Debbie. Her unique movie star gift whether romantic comedy or drama is her heart and authenticity. Here she is way too cool; her Debbie revels in being smarter than thou. Fortunately, Lou and Debbie’s touching affection for one another, romantic or otherwise, balances the elitist narrative. Cate is ultra-cool repose sitting with her arms rested on each leg. She commands in her calm presence.
The supporting cast is part of the arresting diversion of “8”. Anne is a brilliant comedic charm as the underestimated Daphne. Rihana is understated swag and smarts as expert street hacker Nine Ball. Awkwafina is mercurial bravado as a street magician and master pickpocket Constance. Sarah Paulson is meticulously clumsy as expert fencer Tammy. Mindy Kaling is under leveraged as sweet shy jeweler Amita. Helena Bonham Carter is little too quirky in her version of Cindy Lauper as a vanguard designer Rose Weil.
Gratefully, Sandra’s Debbie delivers humanity in the final frames of “Ocean’s 8”. So there’s more. “Ocean’s 8” gamely amuses with its glamorous couture and glorious flourish of the Met Gala. Sandra steals hysterical moments in her mastery of German. “Ocean’s 8” is terrific fun, displaying its heart in the end. Too bad “8” doesn’t dare for more heart throughout.
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Originally published on IMDb
Photo Credit Warner Bros.
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