Friday Night Movie: Focus

This week in our ‘Friday Night Movies‘ series, we’re delving into the slick and stylish world of “Focus,” a not-so-typical 2015 romantic crime comedy that blends smart heists with sharp humour. Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, “Focus” isn’t just another con movie — serving up a cocktail of witty dialogue between two Hollywood A-Listers, twisty plot turns, and glossy aesthetics, making it an engaging watch for anyone who loves a bit of romance with their suspense and twists.

Plot

“Focus” revolves around seasoned con artist Nicky Spurgeon, who is both adept at and jaded by the game of deception and theft. The plot kicks off when Nicky meets Jess Barrett, an aspiring con artist looking to learn the ropes. Sensing her potential—and undeniable allure—Nicky takes her under his wing during a high-stakes operation in New Orleans centred around the bustling world of underground betting.

As their mentor-mentee relationship evolves into a deeper connection, Nicky unexpectedly breaks it off, wary of the dangers their entanglement poses to his professional life. The second act picks up three years later in Buenos Aires where Nicky is engaged in an even bigger scheme involving a race car mogul. When Jess reappears, now an accomplished femme fatale, their past and present collide, throwing Nicky off his game and setting the stage for twist upon twist.

Cast

Will Smith brings his A-game as Nicky, a con man whose charm is as finely tuned as his sleight of hand. Our very own Barbie Girl — Margot Robbie shines as Jess, evolving impressively from a keen novice to a master of manipulation. Together, Smith and Robbie and a supporting cast, including Adrian Martinez and Gerald McRaney deliver a film with a fast-paced and unpredictable narrative.

Trailer

Reviews

We are going to go out on a limb here and say “Focus” is highly underrated. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an underwhelming Audience Score of 53%. While on IMDb the movie has scored only slightly higher with a 6.6 rating from over 270,000 reviews.

How To Watch Focus

Available to stream on Netflix.

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What To Watch: Netflix Australia September 2024 Releases

Wondering what’s coming to Netflix Australia this month? Well, strap yourself in as we dive into this month’s titles.

While last month’s lineup will be hard to top (let’s not talk about the disappointing finale to The Umbrella Academy) — Netflix Australia in September 2024 will still deliver a number of highly anticipated originals, most notably Emily In Paris – Season 4: Part 2.

Best Netflix Series

September is shaping up to be an exciting month for Netflix Australia, with a lineup of anticipated returns and new entries that promise to keep viewers glued to their screens.

Here’s a spotlight on some of the key titles we are looking forward to in September:

The Perfect Couple

Release Date: 5th September 2024

“The Perfect Couple” dives into the lives of Amelia and her fiancé as they plan to marry into one of Nantucket’s wealthiest families. The festivities take a dark turn when a shocking death not only halts the wedding but also turns every guest into a suspect. Starring Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber, this series unravels a delicious whodunit based on Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel, blending suspense with societal commentary, making it a gripping watch for mystery lovers.

Emily in Paris: Season 4 Part 2

Release Date: 12th September 2024

The second part of Season 4, “Emily in Paris” continues to explore Emily’s complicated love life and burgeoning career in the French capital. From skiing trips in the Alps to romantic escapades in Rome, Emily’s journey is filled with new adventures and personal challenges. As she navigates through the cultural clashes and fashion faux pas, this season promises more of the vibrant and whimsical charm that fans have come to adore.

Watch Season 4 Part 1

Nobody Wants This

Release Date: 26th September 2024

“Nobody Wants This” pairs Kristen Bell and Adam Brody in a comedic series about an outspoken podcaster and a newly single rabbi whose lives collide in unexpected ways. Set against a backdrop of modern dating and cultural challenges, this series mixes humour with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of love, identity, and the quest for meaningful connections in a chaotic digital age.

Best Netflix Movies

Rebel Ridge

Release Date: 6th September 2024

“Rebel Ridge” is a gripping action-thriller that explores systemic American injustices through a high-stakes narrative. Starring John Boyega, the film unfolds in a small Southern town where corruption and prejudice run deep. When a former Marine’s cousin is wrongfully detained, he finds himself battling both the local law enforcement and deeply ingrained societal issues, leading to a tense and provocative showdown.

Uglies

Release Date: 13th September 2024

Set in a future dystopia where society enforces conformity through mandatory cosmetic surgery at age sixteen, “Uglies” follows a young girl who rebels against the norm. As her mandatory operation approaches, she discovers a group of people who reject society’s standards and live freely in the wild. This adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s popular novel challenges notions of beauty and identity, providing a compelling narrative filled with adventure and self-discovery.

His Three Daughters

Release Date: 20th September 2024

In “His Three Daughters,” three estranged sisters reunite in their father’s New York City apartment during his final days. The film stars Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon, who deliver powerful performances as they navigate their complex family dynamics, unresolved issues, and the inevitable goodbye. Directed by Azazel Jacobs, this drama delicately explores themes of familial bonds, reconciliation, and the poignant moments that define our relationships.

Best Netflix Documentaries

Untold: Hope Solo vs. U.S. Soccer

Release Date: 3rd September 2024

“Untold: Hope Solo vs. U.S. Soccer” delves into the turbulent career of Hope Solo, one of soccer’s most formidable and controversial figures. This documentary provides an unfiltered look at her challenges both on and off the field, including her public battles with U.S. Soccer over equality in pay and treatment. Featuring in-depth interviews and never-before-seen footage, the film offers a compelling narrative about resilience, justice, and the fight for respect in the world of professional sports.

Apollo 13: Survival

Release Date: 5th September 2024

“Apollo 13: Survival” revisits one of the most dramatic episodes in space exploration when an oxygen tank explosion threatened the lives of the Apollo 13 crew en route to the Moon. Using original mission footage, interviews with the astronauts, and commentary from space experts, the documentary captures the tense and critical moments of the mission. It highlights the ingenuity and determination of both the astronauts and the ground control team as they worked tirelessly to bring the crew safely back to Earth.

What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates

Release Date: 18th September 2024

In “What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates,” the renowned tech visionary and philanthropist explores the most pressing global challenges and the cutting-edge innovations poised to solve them. From climate change and health to artificial intelligence and energy, Bill Gates provides insights into the technologies and strategies that could reshape our future. Featuring discussions with leading scientists and experts, this docuseries not only outlines the problems but also presents hopeful and practical solutions, offering an inspiring look at the potential of human ingenuity.