Movie Monday: Ocean's 8

During our mini vacation last weekend in the Berskshires, my husband and I watched a movie in our rental apartment one night: Ocean's 8, an all-female addition to the popular series that began with Ocean's 11 about groups of cons pulling off cool capers.

Sandra Bullock stars as Debbie Ocean, sister to renowned con man Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney in earlier Ocean movies. Debbie has just been paroled from prison, but instead of staying out of trouble, she immediately begins gathering old friends together for an impossible caper: stealing jewels from the Met Gala, the most exclusive celebrity event of the year. First, she recruits her old friend, Lou, played by Cate Blanchett. Their plan involves asking washed-up designer Rose, played by Helena Bonham Carter, to convince big-time celebrity Daphne Kluger, played by Anne Hathaway, to let her "dress her" for the ball, including wearing the most expensive necklace in Cartier's vault. They also recruit jeweler Amita, played by Mindy Kaling, computer whiz Nine Ball, played by Rihanna, talented pickpocket Constance, played by Awkwafina, and soccer mom/fencer of stolen goods Tammy, played by Sarah Paulson. Once they have their team assembled, the fun begins, with each member using her talents to bring their plan to fruition. As in all caper movies, the climax is the event itself, watching the team's plans become reality as they they create illusions, play their roles, and make the impossible happen.

Like the other Ocean's movies before it, this film is just pure fun. The twist of an all-female criminal crew adds to the entertainment, with - as always in this series - a slew of top-name actors playing the lead roles, and quite a few cameos and bit parts by equally big actors and other celebrities (some of them play themselves at the Met Gala). It's fast-paced, action-packed, and oh-so-clever, and we thoroughly enjoyed watching the plan unfold. And, as always, there are some twists in the plot that we never saw coming. All in all, it's straight-up entertainment, with plenty of suspense, laughs, and eye candy.

Ocean's 8 is currently out on DVD and streaming, available on Amazon Prime to rent starting at $4.99.