Focus: Movie Review
Writer/directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (“Crazy, Stupid, Love”) have teamed up again for the new Will Smith con-artist film “Focus”. Although 2012’s “Men in Black 3” was a box office success, it has been about seven years since Smith has actually starred in what would be considered a good film. Nine years if you don’t consider “Hancock” a good movie. I am happy to say “Focus” is worthy of its’ star’s talents.
Nicky (Smith) is a con-man who works with a skilled team of fellow thieves that go from picking pockets to identity theft. They then quickly unload the stolen items for a hefty chunk of change which they split evenly amongst themselves. We even get the comic-relief con-man named Farhad, played hilariously by Adrian Martinez.
Nicky has always avoided complications but when he meets a novice con artist named Jess (Margot Robbie), he finds himself developing romantic feelings for her. This causes Nicky to ditch her after their first score together, but not without leaving her with 80 thousand dollars. Cut to 3 years later where the two cross paths again in Buenos Aires. Nicky has been hired by a powerful race car owner (Rodrigo Santoro) to con his competition and Jess just so happens to be the woman on his arm. This of course leads to complications and things begin to move into a ” who’s conning who” story.
“Focus” although does slow down in spots, is still so very entertaining and the chemistry between Smith and Robbie is electric. I have always enjoyed con-films, especially when they are done well. “Focus” isn’t great, but is does have some clever writing and a game cast, which includes Gerald McRaney and the always awesome BD Wong who has a great scene that involves gambling over a football game.
The final act is a bit far-fetched and reminds me more out of something from the Ocean’s Eleven films, but that wouldn’t stop me from recommending it. If you are a fan of Mr. Smith, and like films with just as entertaining as they are slick and stylish, then you should focus on seeing “Focus” this weekend.
By: Marc Ferman
