Ocean's Eight

Stars: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling, Richard Armitage, James Corden, Brian J Carter, Dakota Fanning, Elliott Gould, Griffin Dunne, Elizabeth Ashley, Dana Ivey, Marlo Thomas, Mary Louise Wilson

Director: Gary Ross

Slick, smooth and superficial, this spin-off from the Ocean's 11 franchise is another vehicle for a clutch of Hollywood's more mature divas, all of whom look a million dollars. That's about a sixteenth of what this all-girl gang expect to earn from the theft of the famous Toussaint diamond necklace, to be worn by film star Daphne Kluger (Hathaway) at the Grand Met gala ball.

The complex heist required is the brainchild of Debbie Ocean (Bullock), who has spent the past five years in prison working it out. The sister of the conveniently deceased Danny Ocean - a photo of George Clooney happens to be on hand - she swiftly assembles her team (just seven to start with, but that's another story), which is whip-smart as well as being ultra PC: Brit Bonham Carter (attempting, in the broadest sense, an Irish accent), Bahamian Rihanna, dumpy Indian-American Mindy Kaling, Asian-American Awkwafina, Australian Blanchett and Yank Paulson.

The heist itself, against a background of glitz, bling and glamour, is mildly entertaining, but the film lacks the sheer pizzaz and force of personality of earlier incarnations.

The result is hardly a stretch for any of the cast, although the supporting players, the villain (Armitage) especially, are on the weak side. A sleek Bullock, though, is well in charge of the material she has and tries hard to put a little devil into the drama. It's over-easy, and perhaps too easy entertainment.

Movie purists might note that, although all the posters and ad material call the film Ocean's 8, the title is spelt out in the actual credits, both at beginning and end.

David Quinlan

USA 2018. UK Distributor: Warner Brothers. Colour (unspecified).
111 minutes. Widescreen. UK certificate: 12A.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 0, Violence/Horror 0, Drugs 0, Swearing 1.

Review date: 12 Jun 2018