As a fan of the Ocean's series, expectations were high ahead of the release of the latest instalment, and it was thrilling to hear that it was going to be an all-women heist. But Ocean's 8 was a letdown on many different levels.
In star power and support base for the franchise, Ocean's 8 had a concrete foundation. But the heist movie everyone looked forward to, fails to pack the punch. The movie begins the same way the franchise began, with Debbie Ocean, Danny Ocean's sister, being interviewed for parole. She lies her way through it, and is released. As soon as she is out, she is back to what she does best. We see her pull off some very inspiring cons, her way of getting back at the society.
She soon starts recruiting a gang of women to execute a job she had been rehearsing and planning for five years, eight months and 12 days in prison. The plan is to steal a diamond necklace which adorns the neck of celebrity Daphne Kluger as she attends the Met Gala. The plan is in place and she seeks her brother's blessings, who, apparently, is dead.
The franchise made thieves, con men and pickpockets look cool and sophisticated. But Ocean's 8 has none of that swagger. In fact, one is left wondering if it is more of a revenge drama than a heist-flick. Thankfully, there isn't much of male bashing. Only a small dose—just enough for an all women movie.
The first half, which sets up the gang and the characters, drags so much that you are left wondering when the fun starts. Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett look like they are trying too hard to fit into George Clooney's and Brad Pitt's shoes.
Debbie's gang is no match for her brother's pack, which was a perfect amalgamation of smoothness and camaraderie. Not only do we not connect with the gang, we are left with no emotion whatsoever when the movie ends, because of a very palpable lack of connect with the characters. Even Blanchette's biker chick, Lou, is a disappointment. In fact, Blanchett leaves no mark whatsoever on the film that one feels Lou could have been played by anyone. What a waste of talent!
Character development has not been given due importance. The only character that is memorable is Anne Hathaway, with her Hollywood diva persona. She is at her best as the glamorous self-indulgent superstar. Bullock, as the all knowing Debbie, leaves much to be desired as the leader of the gang. But she looks good.
Emmy winner Sarah Paulson's Tammy is forgettable. The liberated housewife on a “special work trip” solves problems for the gang. Mindy Kaling, as stone expert Amita, could have been given more screen time. Rihanna, as hacker Nine Ball, might get her fans excited. But, the question naturally arises, why was she even there?
The lackluster plot with weak humour fails to impress. Nuance and complexity, which the fans of the franchise are used to, are missing, making it a labour to watch. The second half is faster and less laborious. The heist takes place and the revenge is had, but it causes no excitement or worry. The all-important unravelling of the details of the heist lacks finesse making it just a dry series of events.
James Corden, as the insurance company investigator, can be considered a saving grace. There are plenty of references to the earlier movies and cameos. In fact, only those seemed to be the enjoyable moments in the movie. The grandeur and fashion is also worth mentioning. The fact that the eight women have been a part of the Met Gala event themselves makes it an interesting take on Hollywood.
“You are not doing this for yourself, you are doing it for the eight-year-old who is dreaming of becoming a criminal some day in her life,” says Debbie Ocean, to inspire her gang. Well, I am sorry to say, nope...you do not inspire. Gary Ross and Olivia Milch fail at exactly what they set out to do—to make a slick heist movie with eight glamorous women.
The eight women successfully steal the 150 million dollar diamond necklace; to pronounce its name, one needs some French training. But they certainly do not entertain the fans and the movie is far from slick. In a hurry to make a neat chick flick as smooth and sharp as the previous three Ocean's movies, did Gary Ross forget what made the franchise a success? It was not just glamour and star power, it was flawless direction, neat acting and a tight screenplay that led the movies to success.
Ocean's 8
Director: Gary Ross
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter
Rating: 2 stars