Con caper that flatters to deceive

Focus
English (UA) Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro
Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Focus, says the title. You assiduously do so. Expecting an exciting entertainer. You warm up as a seductive and smiling Jess Barrett cozies up to a sardonic Nicky Spurgeon. As Nicky niftily tutors Jess on nimbly working one’s fingers to spirit away prized possessions from persons, playing putty in their hands, you perk up in your seats.

As a rash of rip-offs light up the screen you believe the game is afoot for a scintillating session at the theatres. Actually, Focus starts off on an interesting premise. It has you hooked in anticipation of what would follow and how it would all lead to the denouement.
That’s not to be. Half-way, things turn fuzzy and director-duo Glenn Ficarra and John Requa  lose the plot.

From thievery, Focus takes a twist towards romance and everything turns out desultory charade thereafter. Initially, the banter between Will Smith and Margot Robbie, has you in thrall. But everything fizzles into futility and you leave the auditorium aghast at the tepid turn of things.