Focus (6/2/2015)

Rated R for language, some sexual content and brief violence.

Starring Will Smith, Margot Robbie, BD Wong and Gerald McRaney

Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Crazy, Stupid, Love)

I had a hard time focusing on this one.

Will Smith stars as Nicky, a seasoned master of misdirection who becomes romantically involved with novice con artist Jess (Margot Robbie). As he’s teaching her the tricks of the trade, she gets too close for comfort and he abruptly breaks it off. Three years later, the former flame—now an accomplished femme fatale—shows up in Buenos Aires in the middle of the high stakes racecar circuit. In the midst of Nicky’s latest, very dangerous scheme, she throws his plans for a loop…. and the consummate con man off his game.

TODD’S WORD: I’ve never been a huge fan of “the con” films. There are always too many twists and turns. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? Is she telling the truth? Is he…oh who really cares? Most of the time too may twists causes me check out and stop caring. Unfortunately, Focus follows this formula.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I, however, like “the con” films. The Sting, Ocean’s 11, Mamet films like the 1987 House of Games… but this film just made me feel… dirty.

TODD’S WORD: It was R-rated.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I think one of my struggles is that so many films today have to go that extra mile with crass talk (this film had plenty), extra eye candy (again… this film went there) and all the vile elements that this culture welcomes. Not to mention, this film provided a nice play by play on how to steal people’s wallets, watches and suitcases. And it’s all good! It’s an honest living. And our heroes are the ones doing it.

I know, I know. Call me a hypocrite. In The Sting they were cons also. But I didn’t feel like I needed to take a shower when I was done watching The Sting.

TODD’S WORD: Did you take a shower after Focus?

JONATHAN’S WORD: Two.

TODD’S WORD: The cast has some big names and familiar faces, but I agree with Jonathan, Margot Robbie seems to be more interested in being eye-candy than a serious actress. I was actually expecting more from her in this film, but it never really happened. I hope that changes before Suicide Squad wraps filming. And Will Smith is typical Will Smith. So if you like him, you’ll like him in this one. If you think he is overrated and pretentious, well then…

JONATHAN’S WORD: I didn’t think Margot Robbie’s character was shallow. In fact, she was rather likable. But unfortunately, she’s a perfect example of “sexualization” in our culture. Her value in the film came from her “eye candy.” It’s sad, because I think she had a lot more to offer. And the romance weaved throughout the story was actually believable and well played. But the audience has to see through all the garbage to notice that.

TODD’S WORD: I just found it unbelievable. In order to enjoy the story one has to be willing to suspend reality. I’m not saying a person could pickpocket over a million dollars in a few hours from unsuspecting Super Bowl attendees but…actually that’s exactly what I’m saying. It’s silly and ridiculous.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I don’t know how realistic it is either, but I know I’m going to be watching my wallet in a crowd a lot more.

TODD’S WORD: You could spend your money on Focus, but I would say you should only see it “if it’s free.”

JONATHAN’S WORD: And I say you should “skip it” all together.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is a lot of suggestive dialogue as well as several scenes where sex is shown, implied and teased.

There is a scene where Nicky and Jess are both tied to a chair and Nicky gets punched several times, and Jess is tortured.

There are several uses of F-Words, S-words and other profanities.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. In a scene where Nicky is being confronted with his lies he says, “That’s what you get when you hire a con.” And Jess says, “You’re lying Nicky, you’re always lying.”


2. What do you think she was feeling?


3. How do you feel about people who lie to you?

Read the following passages from the Bible:


Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Psalm 101:7
No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.



4. Why do you think God hates lying?


5. Knowing that God takes our lying seriously, what can you do to speak the truth?