Focus Review

 

Focus is a fast, funny and frothy movie that is about as light as the fingers of its protagonists.

The film is about Jess (Margot Robbie) and Nicky (Will Smith) we first see the two working together around a Super Bowl like event. We see them take advantage of large crowds and a rich businessman. The film then skips three years when the two meet again by chance in Buenos Aires. This sudden meeting reawakens their old flame yet nothing is as it seems.

Speaking honestly Focus follows a very similar path to other similar films. There’s always a minor twist around the corner, we have montages showing us how the tricks are done and the characters seem to be keeping secrets upon secrets from one another. What elevates the film from fare we’ve seen before is the crew, both the crew on screen and the work being done behind the screen. Both Robbie and Smith fit comfortably into their roles. Robbie fits the role like a glove she can do the wide-eyed naivety she needs to pull you in and then the sharp comic wit she needs to sting you with afterwards. You always buy the idea that she is in control. She’s the damsel not as in distress as she wants you to believe. Will Smith is on top form reminding you what he became famous for. On the page the character of Nicky would read as a fairly standard trope of a character he always has a good comeback, he always seems to be a few steps ahead of everyone else but Will Smith brings real life to the character with him Nicky is charming and a loveable rogue. Both actors are so on top of their game that even when the film runs a bit slow it’s still enjoyable to watch two good looking people having fun with bouncy dialogue.

In terms of the behind the scenes crew. The film is directed by John Requa & Glenn Ficarra. The direction isn’t the sort that is worthy of pages of critical analysis yet it does also elevate the film. The film is full of little camera tricks that contribute to a general sense of misdirection. Occasionally the camera be looking at something and then it will tilt elsewhere distracting your (pardon the pun) focus. There is a terrific sequence inside a hotel room which I won’t say too much about but the direction is exquisite. The camera treads lightly around the room constantly distracting our attention from one set of events to the other. The direction is just good enough to elevate what could be quite dull material.

Focus is the perfect post awards season pallet cleanser. It isn’t particularly stimulating but its very entertaining, elevated by two great lead performances with smart & small camera moves the direction isn’t as stilted as it could have been. All of this makes the film a great time at the cinema.

(A solid) 3/5 Stars.