focus
2015 review number 35:
Focus: (Comedy/Drama): 68 out of 100: There was a period when whatever Will Smith starred in turned into box office gold. He is a charming, charismatic actor and his role in this movie suits him perfectly. However, it won't be returning him to the elite box office star he once was.
Smith plays Nicky, an established conman who takes an amateur con artist, Jess (Margot Robbie) under his wing. They become romantically involved but he doesn't want to continue as he fears that his life of lying and deception will always get in the way of love. He leaves her then sees her again three years later, leading to more predicaments, betrayal and a rekindling romance.
Smith is suave and debonair as the veteran conman. It's no wonder he's admired by many people. Guys want to be like him and girls want to be with him. You can see the attraction that Jess has for him. The chemistry between Smith and Robbie is electrifying. Robbie is a star on the rise and it's great to see another Aussie hit the big time. She's beautiful and sexy in this film and you can see why Nicky is attracted to her.
The plot is a series of cons and tricks with many twists and turns. Some of these are extremely far-fetched but if you go along for the ride you should enjoy it. There's one sequence that is memorable where Nicky makes a series of bets with an Asian entrepeneur at an American football match. There's not too many other scenes that stand out so it's definitely a popcorn film. As I type this, there's quite a few scenes that I've forgotten already but I'm sure I mostly enjoyed them while seeing the movie.
Great use is made of the location shooting. "Focus" has been shot in New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas and Buenos Aires and all of these places provide the cool aspect of the film. It has been well-photographed. The music score also brings along a cool and sexy atmosphere with it.
"Focus" breezes through at an entertaining hour and three quarters. It's never boring although it's definitely an early contender for popcorn film of the month. Sometimes you need some of these films to lighten the mood and help you unwind and relax.
Starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie
(105 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language, violence and sex scenes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxCRgtdAuBo (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Saturday 7th March, 2015)
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