Review of Focus (2015) by Alan W — 14 Jun 2015
The problem with Focus is not that it lacks originality or that it feels like you have seen it a million times before. It is that there is never any real tension or danger throughout the duration of the film to the characters you are supposed to care or relate to.
Everything feels too easy (not effortless - which would have been great) and the successes of the cons, and in turn the narrative twists and turns, are unearned and often unexplained. So when Will Smith double down after losing at first, we don't really feel that amazed when the guy who isn't Will Smith lose to Will Smith, because everytime they come unstuck, you know they will not.
It'll be either because it is part of the plan all along, or worse, someone else will miraculously appear to make things right. For all the slickness and seemingly high stakes cons the movie depicts, the biggest con is that this movie is either clever or interesting at all.
This review of Focus (2015) was written by Alan W on 14 Jun 2015.
Focus has generally received positive reviews.
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