Geared up to watch the latest movie of the Ocean’s trilogy, Ocean 8, I must admit I went expecting to see yet another movie redone to have leading female cast but failing to deliver a film of substance. To my surprise, Ocean’s 8, had me at five years, eight months, 12 days… and counting, Debbie Ocean’s (Sandra Bullock) argument to convince Lou (Cate Blanchett) on robbing the Cartier Toussaint necklace at The Met Annual Ball in New York City.

This heist movie is led by eight women, who are not only diverse but from different genres. Debbie, the mastermind of the heist, is the estranged sister of Danny Ocean, the character played by George Clooney in Ocean’s trilogy. Different from George’s style, Sandra brings her comedy assets to her interpretation of Debbie Ocean. Cate Blanchett is Lou, which would be what Brad Pitt was to George in previous movies, a loyal friend that prefers herself stay out of trouble but ends up having a big part on the heist. Of course, Cate made her interpretation of Lou the equivalent to a rock star. Anne Hathaway joins as Daphne Kluger, a Hollywood actress hosting The Met Gala. It was refreshing to see Anne playing a character a bit off her previous drama roles.

Writer and comedian Mindy Kaling portray Amita, a single, Indian woman that still lives with her mother and works at her family’s pawn shop. For Kaling, the most challenging part of her character was to learn Hindi for a scene.

Rihanna is Nine Ball, the hacker of the group. She chose to bring a few of her roots to the character with dreads and laid-back fashion choices through the film. Queen’s born Nora Lum, better known as Awkwafina, is Constance. As nerve-racking it must have been to be in a movie with these well-known actresses, Awkwafina holds her own. Golden Globe awardee Sarah Paulson is Tammy, one of my favorite characters of the film. I must say I identified with Tammy, the mom of the group, just because not even motherhood could take away who she was.. Paulson nailed her performance and demonstrated what a fantastic actress she is. Last but not least, Helena Bonham Carter joins as Rose Weil, a bankrupt fashion designer who will be the group’s way into the Gala. And of course, Helena brings her extravagant flair to her character.

The four-time Academy Award-nominated writer, director, and producer, Gary Ross, which has worked on movies such as “Big,” “Dave,” “Seabiscuit” and “The Hunger Games,” teamed up as the director with screenwriter Olivia Milch to pen the script. “Gary understood how necessary it was to have a female voice involved in this process,” said Milch.

The casting choices for the movie were bold and unique. Beside the group of talented ladies, the movie also has comedian James Corden who plays John Frazier, tying his comedy chops in good with the film. The movie is not about demeaning men or feminism, but a heist and this group of women pulls it off with great success. It was refreshing to see a movie where women are the leaders, having strong characters that are smart and funny, but that stays true to the original film's storylines.

Ocean’s 8 is an ode to diversity, and the selected setting adds to that. New York becomes a character throughout the film. Its essence, flavors, and different ethnicities melt into the storyline. The film showcases the different boroughs of the big apple and its importance on each character. Landmarks as the Plaza Hotel, Rockefeller Plaza, Lever House on Park Avenue and many more are the scenery for the plot.

Fashion is also very present in the movie. Not to mention that The Met Gala is well known to be one of New York’s most significant annual events, the tailor-made alliance with Vogue and Cartier provides credibility... And adding to that, the film has numerous cameos of well-known celebrities such as Zayn Malik, Hailey Baldwin, Olivia Munn, Kim Kardashian among many more. And of course, costume designer Sarah Edwards made a significant impact on how this story is told. On this, director and cast praised Edwards for her understanding and detail view of each character, her choices were spot on and highlighted each character’s personality to the core.

There is a scene in the film where Debbie Ocean is looking in the mirror giving herself a pep talk, which pretty much is telling any girl or woman - of course in her criminal and funny way - to do what you want, but have fun doing it. And this is at the end, the big heist of life: enjoying what you do. If you were a fan of the Ocean’s trilogy, add Ocean’s 8 to your list, in theatre’s June 8^th.