Son of a Gun (2014)

Directed by Julius Avery
Written by Julius Avery and John Collee
Starring Ewan McGregor, Brenton Thwaites, Alicia Vikander and Jacek Koman

JR busts out of prison with Brendan Lynch, Australia's most notorious criminal, and joins Lynch's gang for a gold heist that soon pits the two men against one another.

Never have I ever watched a movie with so many peaks and valleys when it comes to it's quality. With a strong beginning, it finds itself becoming less inspired. Then, it picks up again. This happens several times throughout the story. The characters, while interesting often seem melodramatic and will change emotions to another extreme at the slightest bit of provocation.

In a role unlike any other I have seen him in, Ewan McGregor commands the screen as the intimidating career criminal with everything to lose. The delicate situation he finds himself causes him to act like a wild animal backed into a corner.  He is equally charming and intimidating, which is far off from his usual "romantic interest" or "Jedi" roles.

The movie, overall was decent. But there were many writing and general flow problems that made certain scenes seem forced or half thought-out. The story felt as though it jumped around quite a bit and many things were rarely explained to the point where you knew exactly what was going on. It wasn't a confusing movie. The information just wasn't given to you in a clear and concise manner. However, there were scenes that were fantastically shot and kept drawing me back in. I just wish the scenes that followed and led up to them were as good.

My Rating: 6/10

Focus (2015)

Written and Directed by Glenn Ficarra and john Requa

Starring Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Adrian Martinez and Gerald McRaney

Nicky Spurgeon is an extremely accomplished con man who takes an amateur con artist, Jess, under his wing. Nicky and Jess become romantically involved, but he soon realizes that deception and love do not mix. He breaks things off only to see her three years later... And things get a little crazy!

With twists and turns that may seem just a little bit too convenient, this con movie doesn't have the same intensity or intelligence that others in it's genre do. It seems to throw explanations at you that make sense, but are in themselves unbelievable, even in the world of the story. It's almost as if the directors expect the audience to believe them, just because it's on screen.

And the romance between Smith and Robbie appears instantly and without reason, other than their characters being equally mischievous, with the ability to steal things off of unsuspecting victims.  Like the plot of this movie, it just isn't believable. Not even if you suspend disbelief.

Not to mention, Smith is about 22 years her senior.

The pick-pocket scenes are well choreographed, but the thing that bugged me throughout the duration of the film is the fact that you never see the full pick-pocket. I understand they did this to give the same feeling as the victims, but knowing how films are made, it just felt fake and forced and a little lazy.

If we are seeing the con from the con artists point of view, we should see how exactly it happened. You spent all of this time choreographing these elaborate cons, yet you don't spend any screen time showing them happen in real time, without cuts. That would be more impressive and more believable.

All nit-picking aside, I did enjoy the movie a bit. It just could have been so much more. Take away the conveniences that the directors created and put some thought into getting your protagonists out of the tight spot you created for them, and then maybe we could have a high caliber movie.

My Rating: 5.8/10