Film Review - Focus

Sleight of Hand
Film: Focus
Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie
Directed by: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Duration: 1 hr 45 mins
Rating: * * *
 

Focus is one of those con movies which occasionally tries to get too clever for its own good. If you are focused enough, there are many points which strike you instantly while the others come later. If you can ignore them, then this Glenn Ficarra, John Requa venture is entertaining enough.
 

Will Smith plays Nicky a conman who has several employees under him, it is almost as if he is running a corporation. They steal watches, wallets, jewellery and other valuables to make a living. Enter Jess (Margot Robbie) who is in the same game and wants to be a part of the team. After a successful mission, they go their own ways only to bump across a few years later in Buenos Aires. He is working for a racing team and will help the owner sell the wrong fuel burning formula to the other unsuspecting team. Turns out, she is the girlfriend of the man he is working for, does love rekindle between them or are they just playing each other, that is the million dollar question. 
 

The rugs are pulled every now and then till the all revealing climax – the problem of digging holes too deep means that it is that much more difficult to get out of it. Everything works so smoothly and accurately for 

Nicky, including a bullet that his invincibility makes him lose his credibility as a conman. 

Individually, the actors fare quite decently but the chemistry lacks the spark.  Will Smith as the conman puts his best foot forward and Margot Robbie not only looks stunning but she is also a reasonably good actress. 

Focus is a film that belongs to the ‘timepass’ category.

Published in The Navhind Times, Goa on 15th March 2015

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