Will Smith’s Gambling Thriller ‘Focus’ Reviewed

Will Smith’s movie “Focus” takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the high-stakes world of gambling, where con artists manipulate their way to fortune. This article delves into the intricacies of the film, providing an overview of the plot, key characters, and the underlying themes it explores.

“Focus” revolves around Nicky Spurgeon (played by Will Smith), a seasoned con man who excels in the art of deception. Nicky’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Jess Barrett (played by Margot Robbie), a talented young con artist eager to learn from him. The duo forms a romantic connection, but their relationship ends abruptly when Nicky abruptly breaks it off to protect Jess.

Years later, Nicky finds himself entangled in an elaborate scam where Jess emerges as a key player. As they navigate the dangerous world of high-stakes gambling, Nicky and Jess must confront their unresolved feelings for each other, while also outsmarting their adversaries.

Key Characters:
1. Nicky Spurgeon: Will Smith’s character is a charismatic and skilled con artist who possesses a keen eye for detail and a strategic mind. Despite his cunning ways, he struggles with trust and emotional attachments.

2. Jess Barrett: Margot Robbie portrays Jess, a clever and ambitious con artist who becomes Nicky’s protégé and later reconnects with him. She is determined to prove her worth and seeks revenge against Nicky for breaking her heart.

Themes Explored:
1. Deception and Trust: “Focus” delves into the intricate web of lies and deceit that con artists weave. The film explores the significance of trust and the challenges faced when trust is broken.

2. Love and Betrayal: The romantic relationship between Nicky and Jess is central to the film’s plot. It explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and the consequences of betrayal.

3. High-Stakes Gambling: The movie showcases the allure and intensity of the gambling world, where fortunes can be made or lost in an instant. It offers a glimpse into the strategies employed by professional gamblers and the risks they take.

“Focus” is a gripping film that showcases the world of high-stakes gambling and the art of the con. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, the movie offers an entertaining experience for viewers. Will Smith’s charismatic performance, paired with Margot Robbie’s talent, adds depth and intrigue to the story.

As the film explores the ethical dilemmas faced by con artists, it raises questions about trust, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. With its twist-filled narrative and captivating visuals, “Focus” keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.

Whether you’re a fan of gambling thrillers or intrigued by the complexities of human relationships, “Focus” is a must-watch movie that will leave you pondering the fine line between deception and trust.

Is The Film Focus On Netflix?

The film “Focus” is available to watch on Netflix. Released in 2015, “Focus” is a romantic crime comedy-drama directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. Starring Will Smith as Nicky Spurgeon and Margot Robbie as Jess Barrett, the movie tells the story of a seasoned con artist who becomes romantically involved with a young woman, only to find her on the opposing side of his latest con.

The film explores the intricate world of con artistry, showcasing Nicky’s exceptional skills and ability to manipulate situations. However, three years after their initial romance, Jess reappears in Nicky’s life as an unexpected participant in his elaborate new scam.

“Focus” received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its stylish visuals, chemistry between Smith and Robbie, and clever twists in the plot. If you are a fan of heist movies, romantic comedies, or enjoy watching Will Smith’s charismatic performances, “Focus” might be an entertaining choice for you.

To watch “Focus” on Netflix, simply search for the movie title in the search bar of the Netflix app or website. Once you find the film, you can click on it to start streaming and enjoy the thrilling and engaging story of love, deception, and high-stakes cons.

will smith gambling movie

Is Focus A Good Movie?

“Focus” is a movie that falls short in several aspects, making it difficult to classify it as a good film. The main issue lies in its amoral vanity, which permeates throughout the story and characters. This focus on self-interest and deceit creates a morally ambiguous atmosphere that may not resonate well with viewers looking for a more relatable and empathetic narrative.

Additionally, the movie suffers from an overload of mediocre twists and turns. While some level of unpredictability can add excitement to a story, “Focus” seems to rely too heavily on surprise plot developments that often feel contrived or forced. This abundance of twists can be overwhelming and may detract from the overall coherence and believability of the storyline.

Furthermore, the chemistry between the two lead actors, Will Smith and Margot Robbie, is lukewarm at best. The connection between their characters lacks the magnetic energy and depth necessary to fully engage the audience. This lackluster chemistry can make it challenging for viewers to become emotionally invested in the characters and their journey.

“Focus” fails to deliver as a good movie due to its amoral vanity, excessive twists and turns, and underwhelming chemistry between the lead actors. While it may still have some redeeming qualities or elements that appeal to certain viewers, overall, it falls short of being a highly regarded or well-received film.

How Does Focus End?

In the movie Focus, the ending scene begins with Nicky apparently bleeding out after being shot. Jess, who is deeply in love with Nicky, is devastated and tearfully expresses her love for him. However, just as it seems that Nicky has died, Owens, a skilled individual, reveals that he intentionally shot Nicky in a way that avoided major arteries. Instead, the bullet punctured Nicky’s lung.

In a race against time, Owens swiftly takes action to save Nicky’s life. He performs a procedure to remove the blood from Nicky’s lung, effectively reviving him. This critical procedure helps Nicky regain consciousness and survive the gunshot wound.

It is important to note that the specific details of the ending may vary depending on the version of the movie or any alternate endings that may exist. However, the general concept of Nicky being shot and subsequently saved by Owens remains consistent.

The ending of Focus sees Nicky being shot and appearing to die, only to be revived by Owens through a procedure to remove blood from his punctured lung.

Conclusion

“Focus” is a gambling movie starring Will Smith that falls short of expectations. While it promises an intriguing storyline revolving around a con man and his protégé, the film ultimately fails to deliver on its potential.

One of the major drawbacks of “Focus” is its amoral vanity. The characters, including Smith’s Nicky Spurgeon, engage in elaborate scams and manipulations without any moral compass. This lack of ethical grounding makes it difficult for the audience to fully invest in the characters and their actions.

Furthermore, the abundance of mediocre twists and turns throughout the film further detracts from its overall impact. The plot becomes convoluted and confusing, ultimately leaving viewers feeling unsatisfied. The excessive use of twists also diminishes their effectiveness, as they start to feel predictable and formulaic.

Another weakness of the film is the lukewarm chemistry between Smith and his co-star, Margot Robbie. Despite their undeniable talent, their on-screen dynamic fails to ignite the necessary spark to make their characters’ romance believable. This lack of chemistry undermines the emotional depth of their relationship, making it difficult for the audience to fully invest in their journey.

While “Focus” may initially seem like an exciting gambling movie with potential, it ultimately falls short of expectations. The film’s amoral vanity, abundance of mediocre twists, and lackluster chemistry between the lead actors contribute to its overall disappointment. Despite some flashy moments and stylish direction, “Focus” fails to leave a lasting impression and ultimately proves forgettable in the genre of gambling movies.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.