Movie Review: ‘Focus’

Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Dotted with good performances, Focus is an entertaining movie about two cons outwitting each other, mostly by seasoned con-man Nicky played by Will Smith. Margot Robbie, who plays novice racketeer Jess, oozes natural charisma. The movie is constructed intelligently with romance and dark comedy, showing us an anti-heroic side to Smith, often relegated to sci-fi and action.

There are no dull moments in the film. Generally, each scene is remarkably tense that viewers may not realize they are rooting for the bad guys. The only downside of the movie is that the characters are despicable, selfish people. This is overshadowed by the main characters’ palpable chemistry.

The risky play-by-play bets, double crossing and misplaced loyalties make Focus unpredictable and imaginative. I find the multimillion-dollar network of cons who take advantage of the crowd at the Mardi Gras interesting. This might give good business strategies to the pickpockets of Quiapo.

It is one of the best movies Smith has starred, a good warm-up to Robbie’s upcoming role as Batman villain and Suicide Squad member Harley Quinn and a pleasant break from Oscar seriousness. 

Written and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, Focus is now showing in the Philippines.