For someone of Will Smith’s stature, I imagine he would have his pick of the latest scripts, and I am surprised he went for this one.
After somewhat of an absence from film making, Focus was highly publicised as one of Smith’s comeback movies, along with the eagerly awaited Suicide Squad in 2016. Various appearances on chat shows and radio stations across the globe all gave the illusion that Focus was going to be a game changer for him. The thing is, just don’t believe the hype. It’s all about Margot Robbie.
Focus tells the tale of how conman Nicky (Smith) and his beautiful and ambitious accomplice Jess (Robbie) con innocent citizens, and wealthier ones, out of millions of dollars.
Beginning with a football game in New Orleans, Nicky abandons Jess much to her despair after they complete the deal. However a chance encounter in Buenos Aires three years later rekindles their romance and the chance to walk away with a further $27 million falls into their lap. But you guessed it, nothing goes to plan and trust between each character quickly fizzles out as they each battle to keep their eyes on the prize.
Focus is thoughtful and clever and brilliant at times, but the sheer amount of twists and turns disengages the viewer and proves to be its weakest point. This was proved by its opening weekend which pulled in a total of $70 million at the box office; a hell of a lot less than what was expected.
The film skates on thin ice but the scenic backdrop and brilliant performances from leads Smith and breakout star Robbie glide it to the finish line. Robbie gave a dazzling performance as hustler Jess and after Wolf of Wall Street, if you don’t know who she is by now, you’re certainly about to. The only female character in a man’s film, she made it a woman’s world.
4/5
Special thanks to Odeon Cinema East Kilbride.
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Featured photo credit: BagoGames on Flickr.
