Will Smith is one of those actors everybody loves. He developed a cult following from Fresh Prince of Bel Air and flexed his acting muscles in films like Independence Day, 7 Pounds, I Am Legend and, of course, the Bad Boys movies.
He took a break, and returned in 2012 with Men in Black 3 (which people didn’t dig) followed by 2013’s After Earth (which received even less love).
Suddenly, the coolest man in Hollywood has a rep to rebuild; and there’s a glimmer of silver lining as his new film, Focus is a surprise hit that should catapult Smith and all involved directly into the spotlight.
Directed by Glenn Ficcara and John Requa who made Crazy Stupid Love, and the widely unknown but underrated I Love You Phillip Morris, the team has stepped up to the plate with Focus. The story of Nicky (Will Smith) a veteran conman, respected and revered for his craft. Nicky takes on apprentice Jess, played by our own Margot Robbie (Wolf of Wall Street) after she coerces him using some expert sleight of hand.
As a vessel for the audience, Jess is shown the ropes of Nicky’s well-oiled racket with a team of pickpockets and thieves. Their tight planning and years of experience have them stealing millions of dollars in smaller items like wallets, jewellery, handbags and the like. Nicky himself admits that there is no big pay day – no “One last job so we can time retire.” It’s a game of volume, and the key to success is focus.
This film is a triumph of crew and casting; and the latter is perfect. Will and Margot have fantastic chemistry, and the ancillary cast nails their roles with precision (including an obscene over-the-top Aussie F1 owner). The settings are interesting, the script is engaging and the soundtrack is catchy and well suited to the tone of the scenes.
The pacing is slow but it works, in perfect contrast to Jupiter Ascending which tried to grab your attention with effects and explosions and action, Focus uses the situation and the tension to craft its suspense and it genuinely leaves you statue-still shocked with its twists. Focus is a movie that doesn’t wait until the end of the climax to trick you – it’s constantly surprising and fooling you throughout the entire two hour run time.
There is an expression in film – “Come in late, and leave early,” and in the case of Focus we are welcomed into this life. We experience it, we see some character development and we leave. Its modest and it works.
This is a fine example of using a simple story but pushing it to the absolute limits of its world for the amusement of the captive audience. Focus is the surprise hit of the year so far. I recommend it over ANYTHING else currently playing at the movies.
