Forgotten Thriller: Will Smith And Margot Robbie's 2015 Film Earned A Dismal 56% Rotten Tomatoes Rating

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Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Forgotten Thriller: Will Smith and Margot Robbie's 2015 Film Earned a Dismal 56% Rotten Tomatoes Rating

Will Smith and Margot Robbie, two of Hollywood's biggest stars, teamed up in 2015 for a thriller that's largely faded from memory: Focus. Despite boasting A-list talent and a promising premise – a con artist mentoring a young protégé – the film received a lukewarm reception, achieving a dismal 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This begs the question: what went wrong with this star-studded, seemingly surefire hit?

A Con That Didn't Quite Work:

Focus followed Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith), a seasoned con artist, and Jess Barrett (Margot Robbie), an ambitious apprentice who quickly proves herself to be a formidable partner. Their intricate schemes and sizzling chemistry initially drew audiences in, but the film ultimately failed to deliver on its potential. Critics pointed to a predictable plot, uneven pacing, and a lack of originality as key weaknesses.

While the film's marketing emphasized the dynamic between Smith and Robbie, promising a thrilling ride of cat-and-mouse games and elaborate cons, the execution fell short. The romantic tension, although present, felt somewhat underdeveloped, leaving many viewers wanting more depth to the central relationship.

What Critics Said:

Reviews were mixed, with many praising the performances of Smith and Robbie, while criticizing the overall script and direction. Common criticisms included:

• Predictable Plot Twists: The film's plot points were deemed too easily anticipated, lacking the surprise and suspense necessary for a successful thriller.
• Uneven Pacing: The narrative struggled to maintain consistent momentum, with some scenes dragging while others felt rushed.
• Lack of Originality: Critics argued that Focus offered little new to the con-artist genre, feeling derivative of other films in the same vein.

Box Office Performance and Legacy:

Despite its star power, Focus underperformed at the box office, grossing just over $159 million worldwide against a $50 million budget. This, combined with the negative critical response, contributed to its relatively quick disappearance from the public consciousness. The film's legacy remains largely overshadowed by the more successful projects of both Smith and Robbie, solidifying its place as a forgotten gem (or perhaps, a forgotten flop).

The Lasting Impact (or Lack Thereof):

The failure of Focus serves as a reminder that even with a stellar cast, a compelling premise isn't enough to guarantee success. The film highlights the crucial importance of a well-crafted script, tight direction, and a unique approach to familiar genres. While Will Smith and Margot Robbie delivered strong performances, they couldn't salvage a film hampered by fundamental storytelling flaws. Focus ultimately stands as a cautionary tale in Hollywood – a testament to the fact that even the brightest stars can't always shine when the script falls flat. This forgotten thriller serves as a valuable case study for filmmakers, emphasizing the need for strong writing and originality in the highly competitive entertainment industry.