Forgotten Thriller: Will Smith And Margot Robbie's 56% Rotten Movie From A Year Before Suicide Squad

Admin

3 min read

Post on Apr 28, 2025

4.4

Share

Forgotten Thriller: Unearthing the Box Office Bomb "Focus" Starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie

Will Smith and Margot Robbie. Two names synonymous with box office success. Yet, a year before their explosive chemistry ignited Suicide Squad, a lesser-known thriller starring the dynamic duo quietly underperformed: Focus. While Suicide Squad remains a divisive but undeniably popular entry in the DC Extended Universe, Focus faded into relative obscurity, earning a disappointing 56% Rotten Tomatoes score and leaving many wondering what went wrong. Let's delve into the reasons behind the film's underwhelming reception and explore its legacy.

A Con Artist's Game of Deception:

Focus follows Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith), a seasoned con artist who takes young, ambitious apprentice Jess Barrett (Margot Robbie) under his wing. Their relationship blossoms into a complex game of cat-and-mouse, filled with elaborate schemes, double-crosses, and undeniable chemistry. The film promises a thrilling ride through the high-stakes world of deception, complete with stunning visuals and sharp dialogue.

Why Did Focus Fail to Capture Audiences?

Despite the star power and intriguing premise, several factors contributed to Focus's box office disappointment and lukewarm critical reception:

• Generic Plot: While the con artist narrative has potential for originality, Focus ultimately fell into familiar tropes. Many critics felt the plot was predictable and lacked the inventive twists needed to truly captivate viewers.

• Unclear Tone: The film struggled to balance its romantic elements with its thrilling con artist storyline. The shifting dynamic between Nicky and Jess sometimes felt jarring, leaving the audience unsure of the film's overall emotional core.

• Overlooked Marketing: While the trailers hinted at a stylish and exciting film, the marketing campaign may not have effectively conveyed the film's unique selling points, leading to lower-than-expected audience turnout.

• Release Date Competition: The film's release date coincided with other major releases, further diluting its potential audience and box office impact.

• Critical Consensus: The mixed reviews contributed significantly to the film's lack of buzz and ultimately impacted its box office performance.

A Forgotten Gem or a Deserved Flop?

While Focus didn't achieve the success of Smith and Robbie's other projects, it's not entirely without merit. The film boasts impressive visuals, showcasing the glamorous world of high-stakes cons. The chemistry between Smith and Robbie is undeniable, providing moments of genuine charm and excitement. For those looking for a lighthearted, stylish thriller with a dash of romance, Focus might offer a pleasant, if unremarkable, viewing experience.

The Legacy of Focus:

Despite its box office failure, Focus serves as a reminder that even big-name stars and promising premises aren't guaranteed box office hits. It highlights the crucial role of a strong, original script, clear marketing, and a well-defined tone in determining a film's success. While it may be a forgotten film for many, Focus provides a fascinating case study in the unpredictable nature of Hollywood. Ultimately, whether it's a "forgotten gem" or a "deserved flop" remains a matter of individual opinion. However, its relative failure compared to the success of Suicide Squad undoubtedly makes it a noteworthy footnote in the careers of its two leading stars.