What Everyone Expected: Will Smith's recent filmography hasn't exactly been stellar or particularly prolific: aside from Men in Black 3, every major starring project he's been in over the last few years (Hancock, Seven Pounds, After Earth) has been something of a bust. As such it was hard to expect much from his latest movie, even with a well-cast romantic lead and solid pair of directors. Marketing for Focus wasn't particularly interesting either, touting a slick but probably empty-headed crime yarn which would surely lean too heavily on the two appealing lead actors rather than on fashioning an interesting script. What It Was: Not a masterpiece, sure, but it's an above-average caper film and a sure comeback for Smith. The plot is simple but chugs along appropriately, the chemistry between Smith and Margot Robbie is excellent, and the character work is surprisingly strong here. It's R-rated, intentionally ridiculous and just a ton of fun while you're watching it. Not the best film of Smith's career but a sure improvement over his recent bungles.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
