FOCUS

Con artists have always had an interesting place in cinema, the “good criminal” who the audience can get behind, likable rouges who pull off daring and clever heists without firing a shot etc. In such films it’s important to make the right casting choice for your charismatic grafter, this can make or break a film and Focus makes the right choice. Will Smith really need a film like this; After Earth (intended as a vehicle for his son Jaden) rapidly became an open joke and did not sit well with fans of the Fresh Prince. Focus does a great deal to bring back the old Smith, the role is well suited for his style of charisma and fast talking. A good decision is having the action seen through a small time thief (Margot Robbie), giving the handy excuse to explain the cons without it feeling forced. This can feel a little forced at times but on the whole lets the con unfold, rather like a magic trick, with the reveal showing the machinations behind the planning. One of the best examples of this involves a set piece at an American football game that ramps up the tension (and the financial stakes) accordingly. The film does falter a little in the middle when a change in time/setting can feel a little like a film within itself. On the whole though the narrative flows well and ends with a sequence of several rapid fire twists that turns many of the events of the film on its head leaving you somewhat dazed. This is the kind of fun crime thriller that I would like to see more of, slick action and witty dialogue rather than loud gunfire and unlikable thugs as our main protagonist. FINAL VERDICT 7/10 A RETURN TO FORM FOR SMITH WHO REALLY SHOULD STICK TO THIS KIND OF THING RATHER THAN HELPING FAMILY MEMBERS.