The girls take charge in Ocean’s 8

CERT 12A, 110 MINUTES, IN CINEMAS 18 JUNE

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Rihanna Director: Gary Ross

THE PLOT In the noughties, Ocean’s Eleven and its sequels created a winning formula out of relaxed banter, manly charm, ritzy glamour and ingenious heists. Now, this sequel sees Debbie Ocean (Bullock) – sister of George Clooney’s Danny character – emerge from prison after five years, hooking up with former partner-in-crime Lou (Blanchett). They set about stealing a $150m Cartier diamond necklace from the neck of superstar actress Daphne Kluger (Hathaway) when she attends the world’s poshest party, the annual Met Gala in Manhattan, hosted by Anna Wintour.

But first, they must assemble a gang…

WHAT’S RIGHT WITH IT? While the previous Ocean’s... movies were hardly the first heist flicks largely populated by men (and were in fact based on a 1960 film starring Frank Sinatra and pals), the time is long overdue for a female remix. And Ocean’s 8 is wellserved by its cast of supporting characters (see right), which also includes James Corden as the mildly exasperated British insurance investigator who perks up the film’s post-heist coda. WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT? Bullock and Blanchett are both great actresses, but somehow the central pairing doesn’t deliver the anticipated zing. The film also lacks a powerful antagonist – closest to that role is Debbie’s smarmy ex-boyfriend (Richard Armitage).

VERDICT Savvily positioned as counter-programming to World Cup football, Ocean’s 8 is a fun watch that never quite rises to its full potential.