I’m someone who greatly enjoyed the Ocean trilogy, has Leverage as a favorite TV series, and considers 2013’s Now You See Me as awesome
while critics hated it. I have an
affinity for twist-filled heist/con comedies.
So there’s no wonder that, despite of Focus’ lack of substance, I was still very much entertained by the
movie.
The plot of Focus centers on a veteran grifter named Nicky (played by Will
Smith) who takes an alluring amateur named Jess (played by Margot Robbie) under
his wing. Nicky serves as a mentor to
Jess, and includes her in his crew.
Eventually, the two develop a romantic relationship. But when Nicky realizes that they are getting
too close – something he can’t afford in his trade – he broke off with
her. Three years later, Nicky is in
Buenos Aires working on a high-stakes job.
But things get complicated when an unexpected reunion with Jess occurs
in the midst of it.
The highest points of this movie
are the performances of Will Smith and Margot Robbie. Will Smith used to be my most favorite actor
– I would watch every movie he was starring in, and immediately like it. But After
Earth was a big turn-off for me. He
wasn’t necessarily bad in it, but he was a prime reason why such atrocity was
brought into production. I kind of
forgot everything I liked about him. In Focus, I get to be reacquainted with Will
Smith’s charisma and strong screen presence once again. If anything else, Focus reminded me why I liked Will Smith and made me look forward
to his future projects.
Before Focus, I only knew Margot Robbie as that girl from Wolf of Wall Street and the actress that
is going to play Harley Quinn in next year’s Suicide Squad movie. Aside
from these, she was an unknown to me.
But I really saw in Focus that
she has the makings of a legitimate star.
Her performance was almost as compelling as Smith’s. This young lady is to watch out for in the
next few years. Moreover, I really like
her look in the Suicide Squad teasers
– the rest of the characters are just “meh.”
In fact, Margot Robbie and Will Smith (and to see Jay Leno’s take on the
Joker) are the main reasons I have a tinge of excitement for that movie.
Aside from the magnetic performances
from its leads, I also liked the fun plot twists and some genuinely funny moments
that are scattered all throughout the film.
And thanks to these things, this movie is saved from being fully
mediocre.
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