Ocean’s 8 is a smart and slick heist movie that uses its top-billed female cast to create fun moments that are only made better with a pretty killer soundtrack and score. It’s a little fast-paced at times, but the film definitely has a great energy to it that sets into motion some expert planned sequences.

The film follows Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock), the sister of Danny Ocean (George Clooney) from the previous films, as she is let loose from jail. But like her brother, Debbie can’t resist pulling off the perfect heist so she reunites with her old friend Lou (Cate Blanchett) to bring together the perfect crew. Once her crew is assembled, Debbie along with her new female crew (Mindy Kaling, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna), each with their own unique skills, must attempt to snag a priceless set of diamonds from a snobby, high-profile celebrity (Anne Hathaway).

Bullock is at her best in Ocean’s 8 and is an incredibly captivating lead. She adds plenty of charm to the film and has great chemistry with everyone in the film. Many will feel that she is the perfect person to lead the franchise for a new generation (and I couldn’t agree more). Blanchett also brings her “A-game” and helps add some story context for her and Debbie’s relationship.

The rest of the crew shows off their skills as well with plenty of comedic moments and scenes that make each character feel truly unique. All of the ladies in this crew take their moments in the spotlight and while many fans will recognize references to the former male casts, these references never feel more important than the female leads. Many might even look to Ocean’s 8 for inspiration not just as for strong female reps but also as for how to create these kinds of characters for future films.

Everyone else also helps bring a much needed slowdown as the film can feel a little too fast-paced at times. Many scenes can feel like longer montages and while the film does carry fun and energetic music to push scenes along, sometimes the fast-paced score doesn’t give audiences a chance to relax and catch their breathe. This also doesn’t allow for much character depth for many of the characters and while it doesn’t affect the film in a harsh way, it does leave viewers not fully understanding each character on-screen.

Ocean’s 8 also brings some odd yet interesting cameos into the film. Viewers might recognize some very well-known actors and actresses as well some fashion icons that will keep viewers looking to the screen to see who they recognize next.

Now those going into Ocean’s 8 expecting some crazy action scenes seen in other franchises, like Fast and Furious or Expendables, will feel a little shocked as the film takes a more calculated and planned approach.

The deadly explosives and crazy chases sequences are left at home for Ocean’s 8 and it feel right as these character are more about careful planning and perfect execution, albeit too perfect at times. While there are some solid twists that shake-up the ladies plans a bit, their careful planning can make things a tad less suspenseful.

Overall, Bullock, Blanchett, and company bring some fierce female prowess to a smooth and enjoyable franchise and bring it into a new era. It trades explosive action heroes for smart and effective criminals and it couldn’t be a better fit.