(Lack of) Focus

Film reviewed - Focus by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa

Starring - Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro and Adrian Martinez

Synopsis - Veteran, Nicky (Smith) gives novice, Jess (Robbie) a crash course in con artistry only for his decisions to repeat on him a few years later when Nicky starts working for millionaire Garriga (Santoro). 

Review - I would have loved to have been part of the production meeting. That way I would understand the point of making this film (hopefully). The only reason I can see is to show off a range of cons and tricks, most of which aren't that good. If it was meant to be funny, they forgot to add the jokes. 

I am a big fan of Ocean's 11 and 13 (let's just pretend 12 didn't happen). Those were clever, well thought out plots which applied humour and a semblance of ethics to a criminal escapade. Focus does none of this. Sure there are some odd moments where you think "hmm yes that's not bad" but generally you are left thinking "so what?" 

Will Smith actually looks bored in large parts and who can blame him. I was. I took snacks to the cinema and I couldn't eat them because the pace of the film didn't lend itself to snacking. This is a sign of a bad film. If I'm at the cinema I want to snack. It's my right as a nerd. Don't take that away from me. 

Ok enough ranting. Let me try and 'focus' (sorry) on some good points. Hmmm. Give me a minute. Oh yes Adrian Martinez. He was like a breath of fresh air. Every scene he was in was made better by him being there. But that's it. 

In conclusion I wouldn't recommend this film. It'll probably be on Netflix in a year or so and you can watch it one rainy Tuesday night when you've nothing better to do. 

Go and see it if...you're mad.

Rating - 4/10