In the midst of veteran con man Nicky’s latest scheme, a woman from his past – now an accomplished femme fatale – shows up and throws his plans for a loop.
Directors: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Writers: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Gerald McRaney, Rodrigo Santoro
Studio: Warner Brothers
“Focus” is a film that tells the world Will Smith is getting older. He’s turning down the flash and opening up to the flair that being an urban Clooney type can bring. Denzel’s too serious of a lead, while Will Smith is willing to play with romantic edge. Matching up with the creative team behind “I Love You, Phillip Morris” and “Crazy Stupid Love”, Will Smith ushers in a modern “To Catch a Thief” for the ADHD generation.
Any scenes of grifting or outright conning are used at a minimum and never explained to the audience. When that doesn’t take place, you have the burgeoning romance between Robbie and Smith. The film trots around with romantic comedy elements before returning back into a serious look at pretty career criminals who don’t really do much or show any skill at what they’re doing.
However, that’s all you need for modern mainstream cinema. Make it look pretty and don’t do anything else. While the film underwhelmed, Robbie and Smith work well enough together to keep the movie from being a complete waste. Plus, Major Dad was in it. Remember Major Dad? He showed up in the A-Team movie and he’s married to Delta Burke. I miss Delta Burke.
Release Date: 02/27/2015