'Focus' Review

Up until May, it's a pretty slow time at the movies. Granted, there are a few small gems like 'The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water' or even the fun, yet flawed 'Kingsman: The Secret Service', but overall the audience's choices boil down to whether or not you waste money on trash like 'Jupiter Ascending' or 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. With all this lackluster material flowing into cineplexes, it's easy to dismiss the new Will Smith vehicle, 'Focus' as just another bomb. However, I'm happy to report that 'Focus' is a much needed classy, fun time at the movies, even if it isn't without some faults.

'Focus' revolves around a young, amateur con artist (played by Margot Robbie) who runs into a far more experienced con artist (played by Will Smith). Smith's character is brilliant at the art of the con and takes this young protege under his wings, teaching her the tricks to the trade, then beginning a romantic interest between our two leads. However, an unexpected turn of events separates our two protagonists for three years, until their paths cross again, but with dangerous consequences.

'Focus' is a welcome change of pace for Will Smith. It's a smaller budgeted film, it's written and directed by the same team that brought us 'Bad Santa', it's character based, and it allows him to really show his range, rather than giving us the quiet, reserved type that we've seen in 'After Earth'. He finally plays a role that fits his age and it adds some extra gravitas to his performance. Yet, his companion Margot Robbie matches him wonderfully. Between this and her wonderful performance in 'The Wolf of Wall Street', she's proving herself a force to be reckoned with. Their chemistry constantly lights up the screen and surely makes 'Focus' far more romantic and sexy than anything in 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

The film is also beautifully edited with the title 'Focus' actually being an important of the film's camera tricks. The more and more Smith's character loses control of the situation, the more the film's picture becomes unfocused. It's a subtle, yet smart directorial decision. The movie also features really lavish locations accompanied with cool cars and beautiful costume design. There's a really fun, "old Hollywood" kind  of feel that the movie wears proudly over its shoulder, and it even features some sequences that are truly masterful. A betting game above a football field is absolutely incredible and revs up an insane amount of tension, and is probably the film's crowning moment.

It's not all wonderful, however. The final ten minutes is a constant barrage of twists and turns that began to leave me feeling exhausted rather than surprised. Also, Smith's partner played by Adrian Martinez, is basically useless and his comedic sequences slowed down the movie's nearly flawless pace. The real problem I could give to 'Focus' is that it's not truly original. If you've seen any other con-style thriller, you know where it's going and that does detract from some of the tension in the third act.

Overall, 'Focus' is a fun time at the movies. Nothing new, but well-paced, well-acted and well-directed. But most importantly, it's a step in the right direction for Will Smith.

Grade: B

Review by: Josh McCormack