This Ocean’s 8 Review is one of the easier reviews I’ve been tasked with writing. First off, I was invited to screen a preview of the new Ocean’s 8 this past week, it’s one of the perks of being a blogger.

Unlike many of the other reviews I’ve done lately such as Solo and the Avengers movies, I have seen all of the previous movies in the Oceans series. I love Ocean’s 11 and all the sequels. I even loved the original Ocean’s Eleven with Frank Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack.

Let me just say now, if you liked Ocean’s 11 or any of the sequels, you’ll probably like Ocean’s 8 as much.

Ocean’s 8 stars Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Rianna, Helena Bonham Carter and Awkwafina. Ocean’s 8 is not a remake of the Ocean’s movies, it is a new chapter in the Ocean’s story. This is not like the remake of Ghostbusters – the same movie but with an all female cast. This is a new story, with new characters.

Sandra Bullock plays Danny Ocean’s sister. She has spent the last 5 years in prison planning the current heist that takes place at the annual Met Gala (that’s “gahla”, not “gayla” in case you were wondering). The story is similar to the other Ocean movies in that it is a heist, it’s intricate and extremely detailed and a team of expert criminals must be assembled to pull it off. It’s got many of the same elements of the first Ocean’s 11 with added motivation.

I brought my 15 year old daughter to see Ocean’s 8, and she enjoyed it just as much as I did. There were many laughs, lots of clever dialog and the story moved along at a quick pace. Many movies I’ve seen lately I find myself looking at my watch, wondering how much longer. Not with this one. It went at a fast pace and was entertaining the whole time. Nothing was wasted. If it was in the movie, it was important. I appreciate that.

The cast was great, though most of the actors played the same roles they usually play. Sandra Bullock was the aloof professional, Helena Bonham Carter continued to play a sort of mess, Cate Blanchett, as always was just super hot and cool all at the same time. Awkwafina is a delight and Rihanna was fantastic.

There were a couple of cameos from the original Ocean movies and a few surprises.

If you’re thinking of seeing this, and you enjoyed the other Ocean movies, you’ll enjoy this one. It has a rating of PG13 with little swearing and no sex or violence.