It’s just pleasing to kick back and enjoy ‘Focus’

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Will Smith is back in the entertainment business! We’ve missed Big Willie, who has not starred in a successful original feature in over a half dozen years. “Focus” will not win any awards, but backed by a cool jazz soundtrack, this con man escapist thriller is just a lot of fun; and that’s why so many go to the movies anyway.

In the spirit of “American Hustle,” or Steve Martin’s “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (1988), Nicky (Smith) takes Jess (Margot Robbie) under his wing as his protégé. These partners in crime find ways to fleece the unsuspecting pubic as well as seasoned hustlers. After initial success, Nicky tells Jess, “Congratulations you’re now a criminal.”

Writers/directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (“I Love You Phillip Morris”), too often outsmart themselves with cleverness. There are more twists and turns than the streets of Canyon Lake and the outcome always keeps you guessing. If there is any flaw, there is too much misdirection, in more ways than one. The plot is preposterous and script almost loses its audience, but we go for the ride and find the destination worth the drive.

The settings and international locales are sleek, gorgeous and worthy of costar Robbie, who lit up the screen in “Wolf of Wall Street.” Now, we know she can actually act as well as generate chemistry with Smith, over 20 years her senior. At times, the lighting reveals superstar Smith as an aging star, but successfully revives his noted charisma.

Even with the double-crosses and unexpected change-ups, the formula is familiar and expected, but in a good way. The audience is taught how to lie, deceive and become a thief, but in an honorable way. Okay, if that doesn’t make much sense, it doesn’t have to. It’s just a silly post Oscar feature that’s pleasing to just kick back and enjoy.

Nicky’s profession requires him to be a liar and cheat for a living. His father and grandfather, both successful in this line of work, believed there are two types of people in this world, hammers and nails. So when Nicky and Jess become romantically involved, he soon realizes that deception and love don’t mix. Without warning, Nicky suddenly and coldly breaks off their relationship and assumes it’s over for good.

However, three years later in Brazil, their paths cross once more, and this is where the fun begins. This extremely accomplished con man, is broke and trying to hustle star grand prix race driver Garriga (Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santora). Nicky’s plan is set, but everything changes when he sees Jess on the arm of this champion driver.

The supporting cast includes veteran actor Gerald McRaney, B.D. Wong from TV’s “Law and Order,” and Adrian Martinez, as Smith’s comic sidekick. They each get their chance to do their own thing, as well as contribute to the advancement of the plot. There is an abundance of star power, chemistry and charisma.

Ryan Gosling was originally cast as the lead, but when he dropped, Ben Affleck accepted. Then, he also dropped. Emma Stone was originally cast as the femme fatale, but when she dropped, Kristen Stewart took over. But, she also dropped, before the role went to Margot Robbie, who flew half way around the world for her audition. On paper, the leads of Smith and Robbie don’t make sense, but these professionals do just fine.

“Focus” is 104 minutes and rated R for language, sexual content and brief violence. There are serious moments of intensity and intrigue, but enough wit, humor and romance to make it a lightweight, entertaining popcorn feature. If this is classified as a con-man romantic comedy, would it be called a con-rom-com?

The story is undeniably absurd, but we get a glimpse of beautifully well-dressed people, globetrotting in expensive cars and staying in world-class resorts. We watch these thrill seekers suckering victims into so many gags, but when the movie ends with Lucy holding the ball, we still think Charlie Brown is going to make that kick.
Ron’s Rating: B   Leigh’s Rating: B