I’m barely clinging to the “throwback” part of the Throwback Thursday category with this column. But, as I’ve said to justify myself in the past, anything pre-2020 has felt longer ago than it really was. 

So, without further ado here’s my review of 2018’s “Ocean’s 8.” I’ll note I’ve never actually watched any of the original films starring the ever-popular George Clooney. However, when I learned in 2018 who the cast of the latest spin-off/continuation of the franchise included… I was all in!

“Ocean’s 8” features an absolutely killer all-star cast including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter.

Newly paroled con-artist Debbie Ocean (Bullock) — younger sister of the famed Danny Ocean (Clooney) — is ready to get back into the game. And she certainly aims high.

Against her close friend Lou’s (Blanchett) misgivings, the two prepare to pull off their biggest crime yet — steal the Toussaint, a $150 million Cartier necklace from the upcoming MET Gala.

This team includes down-on-her-luck fashion designer Rose Weill (Bonham Carter), jewelry maker Amita (Kaling), security hacker Nine Ball (Rihanna), pickpocket Constance (Awkwafina), profiteer and suburban mom Tammy (Paulson) and — later on — famous start, and MET Gala host, Daphne Kluger (Hathaway).

The movie doesn’t waste much time getting into it, delving into the planning, preparation and execution of the crime. 

Of course, there are some hiccups and an insurance investigator — John Frazier (James Corden) — is brought in to discover what happened to it.

I’m not typically super interested in crime related, thriller movies like this one. But director Gary Ross really didn’t pull out the stops to make this film.

From Bullock, who truly takes the lead on this film (no surprise there) throughout the entire cast, it’s just perfect. Although the cast is big, it really doesn’t feel overwhelming. Ross is able to give enough backstory for each character, their motivations and personalities, to make them enjoyable without eating away at the story itself.

Not to mention, the cast as a whole works well together. Their interactions, especially Bullock and Blanchett’s, never feel stale or out of place. 

I absolutely love pretty much every single actress featured in the film and it was really great to see them all work together — to pull off a heist no less. 

And, even better, you don’t need to watch any of the other “Ocean’s” movies to understand what’s happening.

So, if you’re in the mood for an easy to watch, fun ride filled with twist, turns and a fantastic cast then give “Ocean’s 8” a try.

The movie is rated PG-13 and may be viewed on Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube, Google Play and Apple TV.

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Laura Jameson is Managing Editor of The Express.