Female-led films are “misunderstood” by male critics, said Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock who star in Ocean’s 8.

The film is a spin-off of the noughties Ocean’s 11 trilogy where all eight leads are played by women. The other six key roles are taken by a star ensemble cast of Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, singer Rihanna and rapper Awkwafina.

Male critics have given the film lukewarm reviews so far, with The Guardian’s review noting the film’s “lifeless direction”, and Variety saying the film series now “doesn’t summon the rush of delighted surprise it once did”.

Bullock, who plays titular character Debbie Ocean, told a reporter that she would prefer to have people of similar demographics to the target audience review a film.

"It would be nice if reviewers reflected who the film is for, like children should review children's films, not a 60-year-old man”, she told a reporter.