TL;DR
Sandra Bullock leads an all-female crew in "Ocean's Eight," a heist film that, while featuring clever planning and strong performances, suffers from an over-reliance on improbable luck and a drawn-out plot. Despite the intricate setup and a star-studded cast, the movie introduces unnecessary twists and bizarre scenes that strain believability. While the Blu-ray and 4K editions offer decent visuals, the bonus features are more promotional than insightful. It's a fun ride, but the execution isn't quite as smooth as the original plans. Dive into our full review to see if it's worth your time!
Ocean’s Eight opens with Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) being released from prison. During her five-year incarceration, she has meticulously planned an elaborate jewel heist. She enlists the assistance of her friend Lou (Cate Blanchett), and together they assemble a highly skilled team of women to execute the ambitious operation. However, it soon becomes apparent that Debbie’s motivations extend beyond mere financial gain.
I enjoyed Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven remake from 2001 (itself based on the 1960 original starring Frank Sinatra). The sequels are less compelling, with their charm diminishing over time. Ocean’s Eight, the fourth installment, features an entirely new team led by Sandra Bullock, portraying the sister of George Clooney’s character, Danny Ocean.
A well-executed heist movie holds inherent appeal, with the intricate planning and execution proving consistently captivating. This film delivers on that front. Debbie and her crew devise a sophisticated plan that is initially engaging to follow. However, the narrative relies heavily on improbable levels of good fortune. Despite being confined to prison, Debbie maintains an implausible awareness of details such as fashion designers’ incomes and debts.
Suspending disbelief allows for appreciation of the meticulous details and problem-solving within the heist. Unfortunately, the filmmakers extend the plot beyond necessity, causing Ocean’s Eight to become somewhat protracted. The introduction of James Corden as a British insurance agent introduces an entirely superfluous plot twist.
Gary Ross is a director with a diverse filmography. His directorial debut, Pleasantville, stands out as an unconventional work. He has also directed more mainstream films, including The Hunger Games. While a talented screenwriter, with credits such as Big, his directorial choices in Ocean’s Eight are questionable. A particularly jarring sequence involves a man with an affinity for a specific breed of dog. The hacker, Nineball (Rihanna), creates a fake website featuring these dogs to lure him into downloading spyware. The execution of this scene is so exaggerated that it disrupts the film’s overall coherence.
The Blu-ray edition offers satisfactory picture and sound quality, and includes a substantial amount of supplementary material. However, the bonus content leans towards promotional content rather than in-depth exploration of the film’s production. The Ultra HD 4K edition provides enhanced resolution and HDR color, as expected, but does not represent a significant advancement within the format.
Overall, the film remains reasonably entertaining, benefiting from strong performances and a brisk pace. However, the inclusion of peculiar elements and an overly convoluted plot detract from its overall quality.
