Ocean's 8

Movie review by Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media
Ocean's 8 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Breezy heist comedy has fab cast, some iffy behavior.

PG-13 2018 110 minutes
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 16 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 57 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Ocean's 8 is part of the Ocean's Eleven universe. In the original George Clooney-starring trilogy, the few female characters were supporting players, but this one flips the script. Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett star as the leaders of an all-woman heist crew who plan to steal a $150 million diamond necklace during the legendary Met Costume Gala in Manhattan. While you can expect plenty of suspense and tension, there's actually almost no violence (a woman lightly threatens an ex with a shiv). Language is fairly infrequent (words include "s--t," "damn," and "p--sies"), but there's some drinking and a couple of instances in which a character smokes pot, as well as background cigarette smoking. Characters also flirt and kiss, and one scene shows a woman in lingerie seducing her partner and handcuffing him to his bed. You'll also see tons of brands/products/high-end labels on display. Bottom line? It's the clever planning of the meticulous crime, witty conversation, and tons of high fashion that bring this comedy together. Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling, Rihanna, Sarah Paulson, and Awkwafina co-star.

What's the Story?

OCEAN'S 8 -- a companion to the Ocean's Eleven trilogy -- stars Sandra Bullock as Debbie Ocean (the apparently deceased Danny's younger sister), who's just been released from prison and immediately reconnects with her partner in crime, Lou (Cate Blanchett), to pull off a seemingly impossible heist. The score is a vintage diamond Cartier necklace worth $150 million, and the setting is the Met's annual Costume Gala. Debbie and Lou enlist an all-woman crew for the job: formerly renowned Irish fashion designer Rose Weil (Helena Bonham Carter), who owes millions in back taxes; expert hacker Nine Ball (Rihanna); pickpocket/con artist Constance (Awkwafina); fence-turned-suburban mom Tammy (Sarah Paulson); and gemologist and jewelry designer Amita (Mindy Kaling). Number eight is the group's mark: A-list actress Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway), who will be wearing the necklace in question. Once the women sign on, Debbie works all the angles to ensure the necklace can be stolen without tipping off the private security detail Cartier has assigned to guard Daphne -- or landing anyone in prison.

Is It Any Good?

Bullock, Blanchett, and their co-stars don't reinvent George Clooney's formula here, but the ensemble's camaraderie and notable talents make for a fun heist flick that combines fashion and humor. Ocean's 8 certainly isn't a giant misfire (as was expected by some), and the few mentions of Danny (who's never seen in the movie because he's supposedly dead) and his legendary crew are only necessary to keep the Ocean name in the title. The intergenerational cast should appeal to all ages, although there isn't an Elliott Gould-equivalent actress to add to the festivities. (Note to screenwriters for the inevitable sequel: Add a character older than Bullock, who's only 53.) Still, it's amusing to see the utterly New York Awkwafina (who plays the sleight-of-hand expert) trade jokes with Bonham Carter, who seems to channel her favorite real-life fashion icon, Vivienne Westwood, in her role.

Rihanna is understated as a hacker with a penchant for a daily smoke, and Paulson is believable (as always) as a suburban mom who comes out of criminal retirement for the big score. All of the actresses are in fine form, really, although Kaling doesn't seem to get as much screen time as she should, and there should have been a bit more about Debbie and Lou's history as criminal partners. The setting of the storied Met Gala offers plenty of cameo opportunities, with fashion celebs like Anna Wintour and Heidi Klum getting lines, while others -- like Katie Holmes, Kim Kardashian West, and the Jenner sisters -- are shown briefly to add to the story's authenticity. Is this movie going to earn any awards? No. But is it entertaining and worth seeing for the cast and clothes? Of course.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether Ocean's 8 is a successful spin-off/companion movie. How do you think this film compares to the premise of the original Ocean's Eleven trilogy? What would you like to see happen in any possible sequels?

  • Does it make a difference that the main characters are all women this time around? Why or why not? How does that affect the story (if it does)?

  • Are there any role models in the movie? If not, is there anything at least redeeming about the characters involved in the heist?

  • How are drinking and drug use portrayed? Are there consequences? Why is that important?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love great female characters

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