Focus

This is an interesting, challenging time for Will Smith. The era when a star could make a movie successful by virtue of their name above the title would appear to be reaching an end (or maybe just a lull), so where does that leave him? Smith is a genuinely talented actor but it’s generally his charisma and charm that have had the punters lining up at the box office. Do vehicles making use of his presence still run as smoothly as they once did? And can Smith, nudging 50, transition into roles that demand more than a grin and a quip?

His latest film Focus indicates that he’s navigating the shift in style. It’s a slick con-artist caper with a snappy romantic comedy chaser, not quite as elegant or seemingly effortless as Out Of Sight or Ocean’s Eleven (the movies that have most clearly influenced it) but put together with panache. And Smith’s trademark cockiness is evolving into an understated confidence, tempered here with a feeling of world-weariness that becomes his character, veteran scammer Nicky.

Targeted as a mark by newbie grifter Jess (Margot Robbie, promisingly showing spunk and mischief reminiscent of Michelle Pfeiffer), Nicky sees through the act (“You suck” is his concise opinion of her skills) but is intrigued enough to take her under his wing and teach her the tricks of the trade. But after they make a mint picking pockets and pulling cons in New Orleans, during which time their professional relationship becomes personal, Nicky pulls the plug on their partnership, much to Jess’ dismay.

Three years later, Nicky is working a new angle in Buenos Aires when he discovers that Jess is involved with the motor-racing magnate at the heart of the sting. She claims to have walked away from the con game, while he says he’ll walk away from it if she’ll come with him. But can either of them trust the other? Or is there an even greater scam in the works?

That’s always an issue with con-artist stories – you may find yourself anticipating the various forms of duplicity and double-cross. Fortunately, Focus carries itself with enough assurance and moves with such energy that for the most part it’s fun to go along for the ride rather than second-guess its motives.