Focus

Like many a grifter, this crime caper is all style and no substance. Will Smith dons sharp suit and shades as career con artist Nicky, who takes his eye off the ball to appreciate the beauty of wannabe femme fatale Jess (Margot Robbie of The Wolf of Wall Street). But after recruiting her, romancing her, then ditching her, she pops up again a few years later in Buenos Aires where Nicky has been offered a big-money scam by dodgy Formula 1 honcho Rodrigo Santoro. The fact that Jess is hanging off his arm suggests a tangled web indeed, but writer/directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Crazy, Stupid, Love) tie themselves in knots trying to show both points of view. The issues around trust are obvious, but despite some endearing moments between the stars, they are never really compelling. Information is withheld for a grand reveal that isn't worth the trouble, and the chemistry between Smith and Robbie cannot overcome the coyness of a script that relies too heavily on cute wisecracks. The stars are likeable but they've been dealt a losing hand here.