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Focus

13 March 2015English1h 44m
CrimeDramaRomance
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 8 scored reviews · 1 not rated

Smith and Robbie charm, but the con wears thin before the credits roll.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Smith and Robbie's on-screen chemistry
  • Criticised: Weak script and contrived twists

Audience

User score 5.0 out of 10 from 1 rating, not enough ratings for a verdict yet

Not streaming in India

Top cast

Full cast & crew

Critic consensus

What 9 critics are saying

Critical reception for Focus is mixed to moderately positive, with most reviewers finding it an entertaining if uneven con film. The chemistry and screen presence of Will Smith and Margot Robbie drew frequent praise, as did the film's slick, playful tone and a standout early conning sequence. Common criticisms pointed to a weak final act, a script that strains credibility with its twists, and a narrative that occasionally lapses into a formulaic love story rather than delivering on its con-movie premise.

How the 8 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 9 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (9)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Will Smith seems to be having a good time, and for a large part of the film you do too.

  3. Top critic

    Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    There is a barrage of twists to surprise you, but even those are so lame you wish you had been in the film and successfully fooled everyone in it. Smith, who is generally so likable, does little to salvage the scrappy material, as if still reeling from the aftershock of 'After Earth'.

  5. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    Focus is definitely a bang for your buck. There is no doubt that you will enjoy the sneaky cons and the terrific camaraderie between the leads. The final act of the movie could have been tighter but take my word for it, you will want to watch it again.

  6. Sify

    Film review ·

    As the plot twists and turns, it's best to stop wondering who's doing what to whom and just, er, focus on watching Smith, wily and vulnerable at the same time, match wits (and hearts?) with Robbie, who makes a case here for more leading-lady roles. It would be fun to watch these two together again. Maybe a sequel called Re-focus?

  7. The Navhind Times

    Film review ·

    Focus is one of those con movies which occasionally tries to get too clever for its own good. If you are focused enough, there are many points which strike you instantly while the others come later. If you can ignore them, then this Glenn Ficarra, John Requa venture is entertaining enough.

  9. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    Focus isn't dazzling, but it has a few fun moments, one of which is a masterclass in conning that Nicky gives Jess early on in the film. Smith moves with balletic smoothness as he delivers a variation of Robbins's TED talk. It's elegantly executed, but you know it's a performance, aided by clever camerawork and a production crew that will make things appear as and when Smith needs them to do so.

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Cast

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