Focus (2015) [4K UHD Review]

Focus follows Nicky, a seasoned con artist, as he trains Jess in the art of deception. The first half of the film showcases small-time scams and a major con during a football game in New Orleans, revealing the psychological intricacies of manipulation. The second half is where I started losing interest. It begins after a romantic fallout. Nicky and Jess reunite in Buenos Aires, where they find themselves entangled in a larger con involving race car mogul Rafael Garriga. Multiple twists and betrayals build to a thrilling conclusion, leaving the audience constantly second-guessing who’s conning whom.

Gambling used to be more glitzy on film

Focus opens on pick pocketing at a major sports game in New Orleans. While it’s not uncommon to see gambling movies involve street crime to a point, it felt cliche. Ever since those magician crime movies and that Gambler remake, the last decade of gambling or logical trickery movies have felt well flashy and dumb. Even this movie which relies on you buying into Robbie and Smith at every inch of the film does the same thing.

Why? Well, it doesn’t hurt that the ending feels like a clever twist in a later era Simpsons episode. I could almost see Bart Simpson coming on screen to exclaim that Grandpa Abe was the true master con artist the whole time. It’s never as bad as The Sting II, but damn if it doesn’t get close.

Why don’t these guys direct more?

Ficarra and Requa’s direction imbues Focus with a glossy, high-energy feel, using luxurious settings and a vibrant color palette to enhance the con artist world. From the gold-hued streets of New Orleans to the upscale scenes in Buenos Aires, the cinematography complements the intricate plots and characters. The fast-paced editing and fluid camera movements during the con sequences reflect the precision and cunning of Nicky’s schemes.

I’m a big fan of the directing team’s efforts on I Love You, Philip Morris and Crazy Stupid Love. But, it seems like they’ve reverted back to only writing scripts since the Pandemic. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just I miss their clever hand at directing movies. Even if I wasn’t the biggest fan of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. But, I blame that more on Tina Fey not being able to carry the material.

It has a pretty solid cast too

Will Smith shines as Nicky, a charming yet flawed con man, while Margot Robbie’s performance as Jess showcases her growth from apprentice to formidable rival. Their chemistry drives the narrative, creating tension and emotional stakes that elevate the film beyond a typical heist movie. Supporting cast members, including Rodrigo Santoro as Garriga and Gerald McRaney as his skeptical bodyguard, add depth to the ensemble, but it’s the interplay between Smith and Robbie that keeps viewers hooked.

Let’s talk about Focus on 4K UHD

The 4K UHD release of Focus is a substantial improvement over previous Blu-ray and digital versions. The film’s high-end settings and stylish production design are showcased in stunning detail, with vibrant colors and deep contrasts provided by HDR10/ Dolby Vision. Key scenes, like the high-stakes football betting sequence, pop with enhanced clarity, and the skin tones and close-ups capture every subtle expression.

What kills me is that it is the same audio track as the Blu-ray. I’m not the world’s biggest audiophile, but I like to see a shot at upgrading with next-gen formats. The special features also make the trip over from the Blu-ray release.

You get featurettes, deleted scenes and an alternate opening. That’s pretty typical for a release like this, but I recommend watching Masters of Misdirection out of anything in the special features. Give it a shot.

Focus is now available to buy on 4K UHD from MovieZyng!

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