Will Smith And Margot Robbie's Pre-Suicide Squad Thriller: A 56% Rotten Tomato Score Retrospective

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Post on Apr 28, 2025

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Will Smith and Margot Robbie's Pre-Suicide Squad Thriller: A 56% Rotten Tomatoes Score Retrospective

Will Smith and Margot Robbie – a pairing that later ignited the screen in Suicide Squad – first shared the spotlight in the 2015 action-thriller, Focus. While the film didn't quite achieve blockbuster status, its intriguing premise and charismatic leads garnered considerable attention, leaving many to wonder why it received a middling 56% Rotten Tomatoes score. Let's revisit this pre-Suicide Squad collaboration and analyze the reasons behind its critical reception.

A Con Artist's Game of Deception:

Focus follows Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith), a seasoned con artist who takes the rookie, Jess Barrett (Margot Robbie), under his wing. Their relationship blossoms into a complex dance of manipulation, betrayal, and undeniable chemistry. The film's narrative, steeped in twists and turns, unfolds against the backdrop of high-stakes heists and lavish locations, from Buenos Aires to New Orleans.

Why the Mixed Reviews? A Deeper Dive into the 56% Rotten Tomatoes Score:

While Focus boasts stunning visuals, captivating performances, and a slick, sophisticated style, several factors contributed to its less-than-stellar critical reception.

• Predictable Plot Twists: Many critics argued that despite the film's initial intrigue, the plot ultimately became predictable. The twists, while cleverly executed in some instances, failed to consistently surprise audiences accustomed to the genre's tropes.

• Uneven Pacing: The film's pacing was cited as another point of contention. Some sequences felt rushed, while others dragged, disrupting the overall flow and hindering audience engagement.

• Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: While Smith and Robbie delivered powerhouse performances, the supporting characters felt somewhat underdeveloped, leaving their motivations and impact on the central narrative somewhat ambiguous.

• Genre Expectations: Focus attempted to blend elements of romantic comedy with the high-octane thrills of a con artist narrative. This blending, while ambitious, may have inadvertently diluted the film's overall impact, failing to fully satisfy expectations within either genre.

Beyond the Numbers: The Legacy of Focus

Despite its mixed critical reception, Focus remains a noteworthy entry in both Smith and Robbie's filmographies. Its 56% Rotten Tomatoes score shouldn't overshadow the film's undeniable strengths:

• Stellar Chemistry: The undeniable chemistry between Smith and Robbie is a major highlight. Their on-screen dynamic is electric, fueling the film's tension and romance.

• Visually Stunning: The film's cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant energy of its diverse locations.

• A Polished Production: Focus benefits from a polished production, showcasing a clear dedication to detail and visual storytelling.

Conclusion:

Focus's 56% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects a film that attempted to balance multiple genres, resulting in a product that, while entertaining, failed to fully resonate with critics. However, its undeniable strengths – primarily the captivating performances of its leads and the film's visual flair – ensure its lasting appeal to audiences who appreciate stylish thrillers and strong on-screen chemistry. The film serves as a compelling case study in how a film can possess significant qualities while still falling short of achieving critical consensus. The legacy of Focus, therefore, is more nuanced than its Rotten Tomatoes score suggests. It stands as a testament to the power of chemistry between two stars, paving the way for their explosive collaboration in Suicide Squad.