Saturday, March 7, 2015

Movie Review ... Focus

 

FOCUS_Main_PosterBeing a victim of a con-artist isn’t fun. This hasn’t prevented films from showing the tricks of their trade.  ‘The Sting’ and TV shows like ‘Minder’ and ‘Hustle’ have spun captivating tales of the art of the con.  ‘Focus’ supplies plenty of shady manoeuvres of its own.  Smartly written and performed, it should provide satisfaction to audiences knowing they are safe from the character’s dubious ways.

Con-man Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith) is looking for the next hit.  Worming his way into the life of a wealthy race car driver, he hopes to cash-in big.  The only snag is Jess (Margot Robbie), a former flame equally adept at sly tactics.  Competing to relieve their prey of hard earned dollars, Nicky and Jess find time to re-ignite their romance.  Targeting their hearts as well as big bucks the duplicitous duo hope to obtain the ultimate score.

You rarely go wrong with a con/heist-style film and ‘Focus’ delivers.  Consistently amusing and filmed with swanky style, all areas of production live up to the film’s title.  The effort in concentrating on Nicky and Jess’s dodgy skills ensures a smoothly flowing plot.  One never knows if what you’re seeing is the truth or their version of it.  This enhances the viewing enjoyment with Smith and Robbie displaying considerable chemistry.

Their character’s romance easily blends with the humour and thrills.  Neither is forced with their energetic performances lessening the chance of slack pacing.  Co-directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa deserve credit in crafting an entertaining package.  Spinning new twists on a proven formula isn’t easy and one they do with aptitude.  There is much to enjoy with the music and cinematography perfectly capturing the dazzling and dangerous world in which Nicky and Jess reside.

‘Focus’ is a high-quality time-waster sure to engage audiences.  Unlike con-artists, film reviewers are more trust-worthy in delivering advice so seeing this one is a must – honest.

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Movie Review Rating out of 10: 8

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.

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Movie Review ... Seventh Son

 

seventh son posterBased on Joseph Delaney’s fantasy book series, ‘Seventh Son’s cinematic journey is more interesting.  Staying on the shelf two years after its production, the studio finally granted it a release.  It’s easy seeing why it was delayed with the plot’s generic fantasy formula offering nothing new.  The story and CGI have been seen before in better films.  Despite the sometimes hilariously bad acting, not much can save this Lord of the Rings-like knock-off.

The seventh son of a seventh son, Tom (Ben Barnes) has destiny to fulfil.  Having powers enabling him to become a spook – a slayer of evil creatures – he finds a mentor in John Gregory (Jeff Bridges).  Learning the ways of supernatural combat, his skills are tested by wicked witch Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore).  Eager to prevent her from taking over the world, Tom uses his newly acquired abilities to prevent his bright days from becoming dark nights.

Not much differentiates ‘Seventh Son’ from similar movies.  Dragons, sword-fights, horses and mountainous landscapes provide familiarity.  Fans will know exactly what to expect and ‘Seventh Son’ doesn’t disappoint.  Sergei Bodrov’s direction shows little imaginative flair crucial in making it stand out.  As multiplexes groan under the weight of fantasy flicks, ‘Seventh Son’ has little hope in saving itself against the tidal wave of mediocre facsimiles.

Making ‘Seventh Son’ bearable are the performances.  From Bridges’ bizarre turn as the grizzled, mumbling mentor to Moore’s obvious relish at playing a rare nasty role, it’s easy feeling their enjoyment.  Barnes gives a serviceable performance as the hero even if he seems somewhat old to be playing a teenage warrior.  Their efforts are undermined by a mundane script and poor editing.  Character motivations and history are badly explained with the narrative quickly descending into a mess of CGI and weak action sequences.

Those desperate for their weekly fantasy fix may find some comfort in ‘Seventh Son’.  Others should wait until something better arrives as surely night follows day, another fantasy yarn will be ready to plague cinema screens.

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Movie Review Rating out of 10:  4

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.

Official HomePage click HERE

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