Blu-ray/DVD Review: OCEAN’S 8 (2018)

Let me start off by saying I have seen any of the other Ocean‘s movies nor do I really know the franchise is about. The advertisements never really interested me and have never met anyone who was “You have to see them!” They were an obvious success as I got to witness sequels being squeezed out with even larger, A-list ensembles in each one. My pretentious mindset told me that this cast was put together to make up for a weak story and didn’t want to waste my time. To no surprise, I wasn’t that excited when a reboot was announced featuring an all female cast. I just am not into the story, but that interest slowly grew as cast was being rolled out. Yes, we got some of the biggest actresses in it, but there were some unique choices as well and it was clear the producers were going for an out-of-the-box take on the gender switching gimmick.

Sandra Bullock leads the cast as Debbie Ocean, the sister of George Clooney’s character from the previous films. She’s just finished a prison stint, promising to live a life as a responsible American. However, that quickly dwindles as she already has her next heist planned out in her head and pairs up with Lou (Cate Blanchett, in a rare role where she can actually have some fun) to get together a group to steal a necklace that’s worth an obscene amount of money. They set out to make sure this necklace makes an appearance at the Met Gala where it will be resting on the neck of famous narcissist Daphne Kluger (a outrageously funny Anne Hathaway).

Their tactics are fun to watch because the actresses themselves are having fun. There’s no need to make social commentary out of the movie, something I felt that the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot tried to. OCEAN’S 8 focuses on giving us a good time for a couple hours, making the audience laugh and root for characters from all different backgrounds as they make being a criminal look so glamorous.

Pop star Rihanna has been subtlety breaking into acting, following her stint on the last season of Bates Motel as a modern take on Marion Crane. Here she plays the cool Nine Ball, a hacker whose confidence and chill attitude is something I aspire to be. The producers went to great lengths to show off how big of a deal the gala is for those unfamiliar with the event by getting familiar faces in the fashion world like Anna Wintour and a blink or you miss it appearance from supermodel Gigi Hadid. The world is beauty and diamonds and is a good time to watch.

OCEAN’S 8 isn’t breaking any new ground but is worthy of notice as it pulls together the perfect cast who feed off each other’s chemistry. This is a rare case of a successful ensemble and there wasn’t a moment I was bored. If a sequel were to be announced, I’m proud to say I’d be there first in line because it’s not often I can say I had so much fun watching a big budget blockbuster movie.

OCEAN’S 8 arrives on 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on September 11

(L-R): Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Cate Blanchett and Awkwafina in OCEAN’S 8 | Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Jovy Skol
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