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Focus (2001)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 5.6/10
Reviews Counted: 81
Fresh: 45 | Rotten: 36

Though full of good intentions, Focus somehow feels dated, and pounds away its points with a heavy hand.

Average Rating: 5.5/10
Critic Reviews: 27
Fresh: 15 | Rotten: 12

Though full of good intentions, Focus somehow feels dated, and pounds away its points with a heavy hand.

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Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 1,844

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Movie Info

Focus is based on a little-known novel by playwright Arthur Miller, written when he was a very young man, just after WWII. Produced by media mogul Michael Bloomberg, and directed by Neal Slavin, the film takes place in New York, during the war. William H. Macy of Fargo plays Lawrence Newman, a middle-aged executive who lives with his mother. One night, he sees a neighbor cavorting with a Hispanic woman in the street. The incident turns ugly, and Lawrence later hears that the woman was raped and

PG-13, 1 hr. 46 min.

Drama

Directed By: Neal Slavin

Written By: Kendrew Lascelles

In Theaters: Oct 19, 2001 Wide

On DVD: Mar 19, 2002

Paramount Classics

Focus Trailer & Photos

Cast

William H. Macy
Lawrence Newman
Laura Dern
Gertrude Hart
David Paymer
Finkelstein
Meat Loaf
Fred
Kay Hewtrey
Mrs. Newman
Michael Copeman
Carlson
Kenneth Welsh
Father Crighton
Joseph Zeigler
Gargan
Arlene Meadows
Mrs. Dewitt

Critic Reviews for Focus

All Critics (92) | Top Critics (31) | Fresh (45) | Rotten (36) | DVD (6)

It serves as a forceful reminder of how small a difference there can be between unity and bigotry.

November 6, 2002 Full Review Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune

| Comment

Jeff Strickler

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Top Critic

No actor in the movies could have played this part better than Macy.

January 4, 2002 Comment

Roger Moore

Orlando Sentinel

Top Critic

It is as heavyhanded as it is compelling, taking the subject of discrimination and turning it inside out, adding a new slant on corrupt thinking.

December 2, 2001 Full Review Source: Sacramento Bee

| Comment

Joe Baltake

Sacramento Bee

Top Critic

A powerful though overwrought study of bigotry and fear.

November 16, 2001 Full Review Source: Houston Chronicle

| Comment

Eric Harrison

Houston Chronicle

Top Critic

The topic certainly suits the times, but the director's approach is as alienating as it is old-fashioned.

November 9, 2001 Comment

Rita Kempley

Washington Post

Top Critic

A rather square civics lesson of a movie.

November 9, 2001 Full Review Source: Toronto Star

| Comment

Geoff Pevere

Toronto Star

Top Critic

Escrita em 1945, a hist�ria concebida por Arthur Miller continua tragicamente atual. Felizmente, o diretor estreante Neal Slavin consegue capturar toda a complexidade e intelig�ncia do livro em um filme engrandecido por �timas atua��es.

October 9, 2003 Comment

Pablo Villaca

Cinema em Cena

...exceptionally preachy...

November 12, 2002 Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews

| Comment

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Its fine cast, particularly Mr. Macy, lift it above its limitations and lend grace to its once-again timely message.

October 15, 2002 Full Review Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

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Margaret A. McGurk

Cincinnati Enquirer

Its most relevant message for today is a warning against vigilante ethnic cleansing.

April 10, 2002 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

The most striking thing about the film is the use of color. First-time director Neal Slavin has the kind of eye for color one would expect from an award-winning photographer.

February 28, 2002 Full Review Source: Laramie Movie Scope

| Comment

Robert Roten

Laramie Movie Scope

Put this one in the category of decent material, good cast, and misguided execution.

January 11, 2002 Full Review Source: EricDSnider.com

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Eric D. Snider

EricDSnider.com

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Focus

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I think that they need to show this movie in every Sociology class. It's a perfect example of how, for example, Hitler's Germany was even possible. It shows how easily people can be manipulated and influenced by hateful thinking in society. It was an apalling thing to watch unfold, and intensify, but it was at the same

October 12, 2010

Cynthia S.

Super Reviewer

This movie was so true to the book that I felt like I had seen it before. The book was a little more detailed, so I have to say I liked that better. However the movie was very well acted and captured the right feel and emotion.

February 8, 2011