FYI: Ocean's 8 Review
for every girl who ever dreamed of becoming a criminal
Let me start this review by saying that I grew up watching the Ocean’s series (alongside Star Wars, James Bond, and Indiana Jones). It’s easy to see why I enjoyed these action classics even if they weren’t made for me: Hollywood invested in these stories using their best writers, sets, crew, and special effects. Sign me up for well-timed puns, classy drink orders, and explosions! And while James Bond and Indiana Jones showed women as prizes, and Star Wars showed that the male twin is the chosen one, it was Ocean’s 11 that wrote women out to the most extreme degree.
Now it’s 2018 (which is supposed to mean something) and we finally have Ocean’s 8. Following the classic heist formula that the first three films defined, Ocean’s 8 features an all-woman cast (excluding a few pawns in these women’s plan). This classy lady group steals a necklace from the Met Gala -- you’d better believe this heist would blow the socks off Danny Ocean (move aside, George Clooney). With high-key queer undertones and women-supporting-women vibes to the max, Ocean’s 8 proves that women work better together and in the lead.
Off-screen the highly regarded cast of women got along very well and spoke openly about it. Interviews with the leading ladies reveal that media attention surrounding the filming tried to tell a story of eight Hollywood divas that harbored petty jealousy and superficial grudges against one another, but the cast was quick to shut these rumors down. Anne Hathaway even described how Sandra Bullock welcomed her to bring her new baby to filming, insisting on a child-friendly set.
I firmly believe that any review of Ocean’s 8 must consider the context of this film including its place in action genre, its significance as an Ocean’s film, and the loving community that the cast intentionally fostered. That being said, the storyline and execution can stand on their own without taking account of its role in breaking archetypes. The film is funny, lovable, and packs classic Ocean’s-style twists & turns. At just under 2 hours, you are on the edge of your seat for approx. 70% of the film. The first 30% is the introduction to the team -- my favorite part of any Ocean’s film. The cast meshes so well. The cameos are plentiful and on point. The outfits are too good. It’s a must see!
Some last thoughts:
Going to the movies can be expensive, however Hollywood responds to box office sales. Consider seeing this movie in theaters if you have the means.
Ocean’s 8 was directed by a man -- really Hollywood!?!?! Let’s do better with Ocean’s 9.
We could do with some more explicit queerness between the leading ladies (are you telling me Lou and Debbie are not longtime lovers!?!). Please resolve some of this sexual tension for us!
