Focus is mostly out of focus!

There was a time when Will Smith could simply do no wrong. When the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air graduated to the big screen, people continued to root for him.

He excelled as an alien ass-kicker in Independence Day and the Men in Black series and was the ultimate smooth-talker in Hitch.

But after a series of flops (After Earth, Winter’s Tale), Focus was expected to get him back on to familiar territory — comedy. Alas, the attempt mostly fails.

The film begins with great promise, and the opening sequences are hilarious and well shot. There is a genuine spark felt between Smith’s character Nicky Spurgeon and Jess Barrett (Margot Robbie).

Nicky, a third-generation conman, is impressed by Jess’s attempts to take to his line of work. He takes her under his wings and teaches her the tricks of his trade. He then dumps her after their biggest job together.

Three years later, when they inevitably meet again, it is under vastly different circumstances. The film’s plot twists and turns like a slithery eel, some predictable, others ingenious.

The movie’s premise is sound, but its execution leaves a lot to be desired. Will Smith sleepwalks through his role and sometimes looks plain bored.

Margot, on the other hand, is intense. She is a great talent and holds out on her own against Will Smith. It is no mean feat.

Adrian Martinez is a master of vulgar talk and his dialogues repeatedly brings down the house.

It seems to be a trend now, but except for one scene, the movie can be watched in its entirety. No beeps, no cuts, all film. And that means ‘leave your kids home.’

VERDICT: Will Smith sleepwalks through a movie that was expected to be his comeback vehicle. A good chance wasted. Five out of 10 stars.