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Movie Review: Focus(2015)
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After the shenanigan surrounding Will Smith and him giving the comedian, Chris Rock, a life resetting slap on a global stage, I never really came across any movie he featured in. It could be that he took a break from acting or the movies he featured in didn't really make waves, but I wasn't consciously searching. At least not until I saw a movie titled “Focus” with his face on the poster and thought “where has this guy been”?
I saved the movie to see it later and that I did. A few days ago, I completed the movie in one sitting but if I'm being honest, it wasn't an entirely intriguing watch for me. I was entertained, no doubt, but a few hours after seeing the movie, I couldn't exactly remember what I watched; that was how unmemorable it was for me.
About The Movie
Nicky is an extremely accomplished con artist who makes a living from exploiting other people. One day, he stumbles upon an amateur con artist, Jess who begs to be taken under his wings. Nicky takes Jess under his wings but soon enough, they become romantically involved. With their profession of lying and cheating for a living, Nicky realizes that love and deception do not go well together so he abruptly ends things. Three years later, he reunites with Jess during a job and finds out that he never really lost feelings for her. Would they get back together or would their drive for money keep them apart?
“Focus” is a blend of crime, romance and comedy, centered around con artists, starring Will Smith(Nicky) as a veteran con man and Margot Robbie(Jess) as an ambitious protégé.
Released on the 27th of February, 2015, the movie was directed by the duo Glenn Ficarra and John Reua and has a runtime of 104 minutes.
My Opinion
My first thought after seeing this movie was “basic”, little wonder it took ten years to make its way into my to-watch-list.
Irrespective of how I felt after seeing the entire movie, Focus excels in some aspects like the depiction of con artistry, delivery of clever and well-executed scams and the numerous twists that I believe were meant to keep the audience guessing. The con sequences were entertaining and at the same time educating. It was entertaining watching how people made a living from stealing items from targeted audiences. Aside from the entertainment, I was reminded of how conscious we all have to be, especially in public spaces because more often than not, the harmless contact with a complete stranger by the roadside may not be so harmless after all.
The chemistry between Will Smith and Margot Robbie was one other highlight of this movie. Their interactions felt very natural and engaging and one may mistake them for lovers in real life. Their dynamic added a layer of lighthearted romance and playfulness.
Next, I would also like to commend the movie’s balance of humour and con artistry. While some scenes felt lighthearted and fun, the other scenes seemed intense as viewers were left guessing on whom, when and how the con artists were going to carry out their next ploy.
Be that as it may, I believe this movie struggled with so many twists. Everything was happening at the same time and this made it hard for viewers to focus; taking away the actuality from the movie title. The plot felt very cluttered and the love story that was supposedly brewing between Nicky and Jess was underdeveloped and had a very poor ending.
This was a movie with few characters but somehow, the characters were underdeveloped and to a degree, they did not display their full potential. One other thing I took note of was the fact that the movie did not explore the theme of trust between the con actors. Either this was a purposeful act which would paint the con actors as naive or this aspect was simply ignored. I say this is because con artists are known for their deception to their victims and even their partners and failing to depict this throughout the course of the movie just created lack in this aspect.
I like witnessing mind games and actions that involve psychology hence my favourite scene in this movie. This scene was properly acted out, giving viewers no hint as to what to expect next. The scene involved Nicky, Jess and a billionaire who was a gambling addict. Nicky played all his cards right and eventually capitalised on the billionaire’s weakness and by doing so, made a fortune.
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Recommendation
Overall, Focus starts on a good note, but eventually loses focus. With a lazy script, lazy central performances, the film did not offer much to enjoy. I would give the movie a 5/10 rating and while at it, I hope that the next movie I see with these characters is an interesting one.
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