Score: 3/5 
If anything, the popular new film “Focus” should reassure viewers’ confidence in Will Smith’s acting abilities after a couple stumbles in the last few years. 
Directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa created a notable conman film accomplishing the most basic goal of any movie, entertaining the audience from start to finish with fiendishly clever plot twists, lighthearted laughs and a dynamite love affair. 
The film follows Nicky, played by Smith, a born and bred con artist from the streets who expanded his skills of thievery to fuel his extravagant lifestyle. His life is turned upside down by a bombshell blonde named Jess, played by Margot Robbie, desperately trying to break into the business he has perfected. 
Nicky tosses Jess aside after a successful con in New Orleans, but three years later, the two are reunited in unlikely circumstances when Nicky is trying to pull one of the biggest jobs of his career. Naturally, the two butt heads and cause problems for each other when Nicky finds out Jess is dating the guy he is trying to steal from. 
While the film is filled with unsuspecting twists that go unresolved until the last possible moment, most of the plot is extremely reminiscent of an “Ocean’s Eleven” storyline and could probably have made a notable sequel to the trilogy if casted differently. 
There is nothing particularly groundbreaking about the idea of “Focus,” yet that doesn’t delay the audience becoming fully invested in each charming character and falling into the comfortable grooves of each scene. 
Con artist plots will never go out of style, and though they usually won’t make a splash at the Oscars, people see them because they like to be entertained. “The Italian Job,” released in 2003, is a great example. 
Smith rejuvenated his status as the funny, charming male icon he has embodied over the years, while providing a notable performance with a solid script. 
The stunning Robbie proved to be more than just a love interest character by providing substantial comic relief throughout the film. Robbie made her mark in Hollywood in the box office hit “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and she seems to mimic that character in “Focus” with some slight alterations. But it’s possible the budding actress will establish herself as the next major leading lady heartthrob to rival the great Marilyn Monroe. 
Overall, “Focus” is a delightful viewer experience filled with the necessary aspects to entertain any viewer. 
You can reach Michael Tarver on Twitter @michael_T16.