Review Roundup: Will Smith Stars in Dark Comedy FOCUS

Will Smith stars in the new dark comedy FOCUS, hitting theaters nationwide today, February 27th. The film was written and directd by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, who collaborated on CRAZY STUPID LOVE.

The story follows vetern con-man Nicky (Smith) who falls in love with the beautiful Jess (Margot Robbie) whilst teaching her the tricks of his trade. Three years later, long after the couple has broken things off romantically, Jess waltzes back into Nicky's life when the two find themselves on opposing sides of the same scam.

FOCUS stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro, and Gerald McRaney.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

A.O. Scott, New York Times: The preposterousness of the story doesn't seem like a rip-off, since the twists in the plot, for the most part, pay off nicely.

Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: I'm not asking for nirvana, such as Hitchcock's Notorious or David O. Russell's American Hustle, just a taste of sexy escapism. A taste is all you get in Focus, but it'll do till the whole enchilada comes along.

Andrew Lapin, NPR: Writer-directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Crazy, Stupid, Love.) keep us only just abreast enough of the proceedings to sense that slippery games are afoot, thus building a fun if forgettable romp through a charismatic criminal underworld.

Marshall Fine, Huffington Post: FOCUS works hard and does manage to generate entertainment. But, the strain shows, and the creative team (also responsible for writing Bad Santa and I Love You Philip Morris) can't seem to blend wit with plot complexity.

Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News: What we want from Smith - aside from no more movies like "After Earth" - is to feel like he's invested...But here, Smith is detached. When he's swirling around and flirting with Robbie, his lethargy is embarrassing compared to her spark and enthusiasm.

Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: The Hollywood stakes for Smith are as high as they are for the con man he plays. As it stands, "Focus" just might be a game changer.

Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter: This ultra-slick, fantasy-inducing visit to an international wonder world of wealth and deception plays more like an inventory of thieving and gambling techniques than a captivating diversion, even if it's hard not to be voyeuristically pulled in by some of its ruses.

Brian Formo, IGN: Smith equips nicely. It's good to see him in a movie star role again. And not in a movie where he's attempting to make a movie star out of someone else (his son Jaden Smith in After Earth). But, in actuality, with his smooth presence, he just might help make a bigger star out of Robbie.

Scott Mendelson, Forbes: It is the kind of high-gloss and high-quality adult-skewing star vehicle that used to be Hollywood's bread-and-butter. FOCUS is just fantastic entertainment which never takes it eye off the ball.

Rex Reed, Observer: It's beautifully photographed and entertaining, with charming performances by Will Smith and newcomer Margot Robbie that tease and tantalize. You won't be bored.

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