"Focus" Shines The Spotlight On The Con Game
DETROIT (WWJ) – Will Smith is back in the sexy and stylish new film "Focus." The film zeroes in on the super fast lifestyle of masterful con artist Nicky Spurgeon, portrayed by Smith, and his protégé Jess Barrett, portrayed by Margot Robbie. The two become acquainted when one tries to con the other; Nicky teaches Jess the ropes and, eventually, Jess becomes part of the team.
Kicking off in New York City, where they first meet, their business endeavors take them to fun-loving New Orleans and then to Buenos Aires. It's in New Orleans where the filmmakers begin to show off some of the true tricks of the trade. They include the "lift," which is stealing something out of someone's pocket, and a "touch," which can be used in a lift.
Those tricks and more were designed by world-renowned magician and con artist Apollo Robbins, known as The Gentleman Thief. Robbins, a consultant on the film, worked with Smith, Robbie and the other actors for several days before filming got underway. As Robbins put it, "People often see what they want to believe rather than what is really there. So, if you can control their focus, you control their reality."
It's actually pretty eye-opening watching the actors put their newly-learned skills to the test. And even though it's common knowledge that organized crime rakes in billions of dollars every year, to see how some of it is done - and how easily it is done - may shock you. And it may make you think twice the next time you take a trip or find yourself part of a big crowd. In other words, it may even have you pay more attention to your surroundings, in other words, focus.
Smith hasn't been seen on the big screen since "After Earth," which was released in 2013, in which he co-starred along with his son, Jaden Smith. That film had an estimated budget of $130 million and was widely panned by critics, bringing in just over $27.5 million domestically in its opening weekend. After that movie bombed, it's great to see Smith back, looking better than ever and starring in a film that should go over very well with his loyal fans. As for me, I thought it was very well done and I had a lot of fun watching it.
See you at the movies!
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