OCEAN'S 8 (2018)

6/8/18 - Ocean’s 8 - 5/10

A very predictable and derivative addition to this franchise that is able to tread water with the charisma of a pretty darn good cast. I wasn’t as into Bullock (rarely am) or even Blanchett (now that was a surprise), but Hathaway was a standout. The conglomeration of all of these talented actresses is what made it work, with the final product being much stronger than the individual pieces. That said, the directing and the rest of the film are fairly unspectacular - serviceable but pedestrian where it could have been unique and special.

I hoped that it would blaze its own trail and internalize its feminine strength, but much of it felt a little too ‘empowery for its own sake”. I had hoped that they would avoid Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walking” (so cliche) and forge their own path and style. They could have had Rihanna do her own special version, but that was an opportunity missed, just relying on the standard tired trope. I also had hoped that there would be a stronger reason for the formation and use of the all female cast, perhaps involving their unmatched skills and necessity. There was a solid line that parsed out the standout nature of a man at the caper, but this declaration was never born out in actuality.

Overall it is fine. A little more pizazz and “umpf” would have been appreciated. It was there and was fine to look at, but getting swept up in the job never happened. I’m not trying to be a hater or unappreciative, but there was more drama that could have been wrung out the whole situation. The stakes never felt real or pertinent and the main character, who tried to portray the steely cool of her brother (George Clooney’s Danny Ocean), but she mostly just felt aloof and unengaged. The caper was a success, but they couldn’t steal my heart, just my time. That’s not a complete loss.