by Jo Johnstone
In West Philadelphia born and raised,
In the playground is where I spent most of my days,
Chillin out, maxin, relaxing….. You know the rest.
Aaww The Fresh Price of Bel Air, the boy did good. From TV star slash rapper Will Smith is now easily one of the most recognisable movie actors in the world. With a string of box office hits, as well as the odd award winning drama to his name, it’s a far cry from the iconic series that started his career.
In West Philadelphia born and raised,
In the playground is where I spent most of my days,
Chillin out, maxin, relaxing….. You know the rest.
Aaww The Fresh Price of Bel Air, the boy did good. From TV star slash rapper Will Smith is now easily one of the most recognisable movie actors in the world. With a string of box office hits, as well as the odd award winning drama to his name, it’s a far cry from the iconic series that started his career.
In his new con-heist feature, Focus, Will Smith plays a professional hustler that oozes charm and style. Although ‘Big Willy’s’ latest offering may not set the screen alight it is an example of how his and other actors charisma can elevate a film.
Jess, (Margot Robbie) is a low time hustler who tries her tricks on fling Nicky, (Will Smith). As a professional conman he sees through this and teaches her the real art of the hustle. After pulling a major con with his group of professionals, he is hired by race car owner Garriga, (Rodrigo Santoro) to scam his opposing team. But will the re-emergence of old flame Jess complicate things?
The film has the typical plot and feel of a hustler movie yet with added humour and style. It sets up premises and scenarios to switch on themselves with the intention of keeping the audience on their toes. Honestly, the film is predictably unpredictable. It twists and turns, not for the sake of a great plot, but to throw off the audience. The majority of which will see the twists coming yet all is played out well with a fun feel. The comedy in the film is its best asset with the majority being banter between Smith and Margot’s characters.
Jess, (Margot Robbie) is a low time hustler who tries her tricks on fling Nicky, (Will Smith). As a professional conman he sees through this and teaches her the real art of the hustle. After pulling a major con with his group of professionals, he is hired by race car owner Garriga, (Rodrigo Santoro) to scam his opposing team. But will the re-emergence of old flame Jess complicate things?
The film has the typical plot and feel of a hustler movie yet with added humour and style. It sets up premises and scenarios to switch on themselves with the intention of keeping the audience on their toes. Honestly, the film is predictably unpredictable. It twists and turns, not for the sake of a great plot, but to throw off the audience. The majority of which will see the twists coming yet all is played out well with a fun feel. The comedy in the film is its best asset with the majority being banter between Smith and Margot’s characters.
The chemistry and charisma of the cast gets around the reality that you are watching and rooting for a group of thieves. It is a thrill to watch them continuously and so precisely steal from right under people’s noses. What starts out as simple trick of hand watch stealing and wallet grabbing soon develops into mind suggestion and subliminal messaging. With this the film gets a little ropey and audiences will wish they were watching Inception when they want intelligent mind trickery. The film is nowhere as intelligent as it strives to be yet the cast hold together the film, making it enjoyable, despite its flaws. Keeping good pace as the cons become ever more elaborate, the films humour never wavers - which holds strong even where the story fails.
Will Smith has proven with the right projects that he can thrive in a dramatic role as well as a comedic one. Here though it is his god given charm and comic timing on show for Focus. His charisma make Nicky a character worth following.
Newcomer Robbie has been thrust into the limelight with her role in Wolf of Wall Street. With little more to do there than to look pretty the actress has a lot to prove in terms of acting chops. Yet with Focus she does broaden her range with a meatier role that displays her comedic talents. Although both lead characters are predictable and commercial she holds her own with Smith and their chemistry is sizzling. Whether the pair are conning, fighting or flirting their sexual tension is always present which really sells the film.
An entertaining romp that is not as intelligent as it wants to be. Predictable turns are down played by great humour. Yet Smith and Robbie make for interesting leads and their chemistry is electric.
Focus is out Friday 27th
Will Smith has proven with the right projects that he can thrive in a dramatic role as well as a comedic one. Here though it is his god given charm and comic timing on show for Focus. His charisma make Nicky a character worth following.
Newcomer Robbie has been thrust into the limelight with her role in Wolf of Wall Street. With little more to do there than to look pretty the actress has a lot to prove in terms of acting chops. Yet with Focus she does broaden her range with a meatier role that displays her comedic talents. Although both lead characters are predictable and commercial she holds her own with Smith and their chemistry is sizzling. Whether the pair are conning, fighting or flirting their sexual tension is always present which really sells the film.
An entertaining romp that is not as intelligent as it wants to be. Predictable turns are down played by great humour. Yet Smith and Robbie make for interesting leads and their chemistry is electric.
Focus is out Friday 27th
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