Will Smith has once again captured the attention of streaming audiences, as recent developments reveal the popularity of his classic films alongside the less favorable exit of his more recent work from Netflix.
Mark your calendars—January 9 is the day Will Smith's stylish heist film Focus will exit Netflix, marking the end of its streaming run. This 2015 film features Smith as Nicky Spurgeon, a seasoned con artist who mentors Jess Barrett, played by Margot Robbie, and together they navigate through high-stakes schemes set against stunning international backdrops.
Despite boasting star power and directed by the duo of Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, Focus struggled with mixed reviews, garnering just 56% from critics and 53% from audience members on Rotten Tomatoes. Collider's review remarked on the film's significant shortcomings, highlighting, "There is no romance and no con, two things which are vitally necessary for a con artist movie caught up in romance.” Perhaps the most telling critique points out how beautifully the film was shot and set, effectively creating captivating scenery without substance.
It’s described as being "smooth to the point of being insubstantial," failing to deliver the skill or energizing narrative twists expected from films of its genre. Consequently, viewers may want to rush to view Focus before it disappears from Netflix, as it settles on the platform’s streaming charts quietly.
Contrastingly, one of Smith’s most iconic roles is enjoying renewed popularity. The 1997 classic Men in Black is making significant waves on the Peacock platform, recently climbing to the #9 spot on their streaming charts. Critics have lauded it with high marks: 91% approval from critics and 80% from general audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. This sci-fi adventure film pairs Smith as Agent J with Tommy Lee Jones, who plays the wise Agent K, as they tackle intergalactic villains.
The film's return to streaming has not gone unnoticed; it holds sixth place among Peacock's Top 10 Movies Today chart, with its sequel, Men in Black II, closely trailing behind at ninth. Audiences are clearly eager to revisit the charming and explosive world of the Men in Black, which introduced fans to the whimsical absurdity of alien politics and thrilling action.
Following the release of Men in Black, the franchise became an immediate box-office sensation, raking in over $589 million worldwide against its modest $90 million budget. The success of the franchise led to more films, including Men in Black II and Men in Black 3, solidifying its status as part of beloved pop culture history.
Through the years, the Men in Black series expanded to include animated adaptations and spin-offs, but it continues to be the original film's dynamic duo—Smith and Jones—who capture audiences' hearts. Despite initial mixed reviews for some sequels, the eagerness to rewatch the original remains strong, indicating the film's lasting impression.
To keep the conversation going, what’s next for Will Smith? Before stepping back as Mike Lowrey alongside Martin Lawrence in the upcoming Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Smith also embarked on dramatic roles, most recently garnering acclaim for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, in King Richard, which earned Smith his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
Smith’s cinematic repertoire is both diverse and intriguing; he’s taken on various roles from psychological thrillers to animated features, like his work on Apple TV+'s Emancipation. The sheer variety of projects suggests audiences may look forward to seeing Smith continue to flex his impressive range.
This fluctuates between the charm of classic films and the burgeoning career of actors like Smith, creating waves among streaming platforms. For many, there’s nothing quite like revisiting old favorites or experiencing nostalgic storytelling once more through the digital space.
Fans of both the Men in Black franchise and Will Smith should aim to enjoy this resurgence of interest. While Focus leaves Netflix, the classic Men in Black films fuel speculation over what nostalgic experiences streaming platforms will bring next.