OCEAN'S 8

OCEAN'S 8:   Hey we can keep this franchise alive if we reboot the whole thing with women doing the heist.   That must have been the thinking behind this film.  Does it work?  Yes, a resounding yes! Sandra Bullock plays the sister of Danny Ocean (never mentioned in any of the other films) and we first meet her at her parole hearing.   (Don't despair, she ain't going "straight.")  She envisions a heist to take place at the renowned Met Gala and a good part of the film involves her recruitment of her fellow thieves.  They include Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter and Sarah Paulson among others.  Also along for the ride is James Corden as an insurance adjuster assigned to the case and  a passel of notable cameos (I won't spoil it by telling you who).   Far and away the real scene stealer in all this merriment is Anne Hathaway as a spoiled, rich actress.  What a joy!  While the film has wonderful moments of banter between Bullock, Blanchett  their team of thieves, it never quite attains that magic that Clooney and his cohorts achieved (The Sinatra film is another matter.) But, all in all, it was great fun and the last thirty minutes is so loaded with twists and turns you may as well be on a Disneyworld ride.   Perfect Summer fare!horts achieved (The Sinatra film is another matter.)