“Ocean’s 8” (PG-13)
The “Ocean’s” franchise is riding a whole new wave with “Ocean’s 8,” an entertaining continuation of director Steven Soderbergh’s and actor George Clooney’s trilogy that began in 2001. Loosely tied to the original set of films, “Ocean’s 8,” while built again on a heist narrative, still feels fresh and ultimately makes for a solid introduction to a potential new phase of the franchise.
Sandra Bullock stars as Debbie Ocean, who like her older brother Danny Ocean, has a proclivity for thievery in her DNA. Finishing up a five year-prison stint after being ratted out by ex-boyfriend (Richard Armitage), Debbie immediately gets back in the game and assembles a crew to pull off a heist during the prestigious Met Gala in New York City, where they plan on boosting a $150 million Cartier necklace. What makes the heist even more daring, though, is that they plan on lifting the necklace off the mega-star actress (Anne Hathaway) who will be wearing it at the big event, even though she’ll be surrounded by bodyguards at all times.
AUDIO: Tim reviews “Ocean’s 8” and “Hotel Artemis” with Tom Barnard on “The KQ Morning Show” (segment begins 1:30 in).
Directed by Gary Ross, “Ocean’s 8” is loaded with a star-studded ensemble cast, including Cate Blanchett and Sarah Paulson as Debbie’s fellow con artists, and the always great Helena Bonham Carter as a once famous but currently struggling fashion designer without any criminal experience who takes part in the heist to get out of millions of dollars in debt.
While the build-up to the big score feels familiar and is par for the course, the centerpiece of “Ocean’s 8” – the elaborate heist scene – is executed beautifully, which alone makes the film worthwhile. Plus, like the original film, there are twists that play out in the film’s third act, making “Ocean’s 8” even more satisfying.
Lammometer: 7 (out of 10)
Tim Lammers reviews movies weekly for The KQ92 Morning Show,” “KARE 11 News at 11” (NBC), WCCO Radio, WJON-AM, KLZZ-FM, “The Tom Barnard Podcast” and “The BS Show” with Bob Sansevere.
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