LuckyWill"Smokin Aces" Movie Review
June 26th 2007 05:01
Featuring two Aussie actors plus a plethora of well-known types in Hollywood, Smokin Aces is your latest big action film from Joe Carnahan, the director behind the gritty "Narc".
Shot with interwoven scenes of various characters leading up to a 'hit' on Buddy 'Aces' Israel, the film is a mixture of Quentin Tarintino style, Guy Richie's no-nonsense approach and Steven Soderbergh's sensibility. Confusing? Well, it all comes together through fast paced scenes but explanatory dialogue on the premise of either taking out Buddy (played by Jeremy Piven of Entourage fame) or capturing him for protective custody. But why is this guy so wanted? Unfortunately Buddy has made a name for himself dabbling within the last existing strands of the Mafia circle - as well as being biologically connected - via his occupation of clubs playing magician entertainer along strips in Vegas. While enjoying the privileged lifestyle he thought he has, consequently becomes too big for his tricks/boots and begins a uncontrollable descent into hedonism and selfish ambition that becomes a liability. A liability too big for the feds to see wasted and one which 'made men' get nervous around.
Entering the fray are seasoned tough guy and cop actor Ray Liotta (Copland, Narc, Identity) and Ryan Renolds (Blade Trinity, Van Wilder) as the stakeout feds trying to prevent a catastrophe while their FBI boss, Andy Garcia (Oceans 11/12/13), plays his usual moderate and disconnected self withholding his intentions in a grander scheme both Liotta and Reynolds are unaware. Further complicating matters are the introduction of Ben Affleck (Reindeer Games, Clerks 1/2) and his two buddies that are hired by the irripressible Jason Bateman (Michael Bluth from Arrested Development) playing an irreverent scumbag lawyer to depose Buddy for $50,000. Additionally, there's also a neo-nazi, hard rock lovin' trio, a solo assassin and Alicia Keyes with her buddy too that are after Buddy. Sounds like a lot of characters? It is. But they all have defined parts and personalities which help the flow and categorically come down to either archetypal good guys or bad guys.
Overall, it's an enjoyable, colourful action film with a fast pace that delivers whilst balancing the multitude of characters just enough to not bog the script down. Other camoeos include Matthew Fox (Lost, Party of Five) and Aussies Joel Edgerton (Ned Kelly, Star Wars Episode III) and Martin Henderson (The Ring, Little Fish). So, at the very least, based on the line-up, there's something there for almost everyone and if looking for a flashier, comical version of "The Departed" - this one is definitely the go.
Pictures courtesy of:
apple.com
thecia.com.au
Shot with interwoven scenes of various characters leading up to a 'hit' on Buddy 'Aces' Israel, the film is a mixture of Quentin Tarintino style, Guy Richie's no-nonsense approach and Steven Soderbergh's sensibility. Confusing? Well, it all comes together through fast paced scenes but explanatory dialogue on the premise of either taking out Buddy (played by Jeremy Piven of Entourage fame) or capturing him for protective custody. But why is this guy so wanted? Unfortunately Buddy has made a name for himself dabbling within the last existing strands of the Mafia circle - as well as being biologically connected - via his occupation of clubs playing magician entertainer along strips in Vegas. While enjoying the privileged lifestyle he thought he has, consequently becomes too big for his tricks/boots and begins a uncontrollable descent into hedonism and selfish ambition that becomes a liability. A liability too big for the feds to see wasted and one which 'made men' get nervous around.
Entering the fray are seasoned tough guy and cop actor Ray Liotta (Copland, Narc, Identity) and Ryan Renolds (Blade Trinity, Van Wilder) as the stakeout feds trying to prevent a catastrophe while their FBI boss, Andy Garcia (Oceans 11/12/13), plays his usual moderate and disconnected self withholding his intentions in a grander scheme both Liotta and Reynolds are unaware. Further complicating matters are the introduction of Ben Affleck (Reindeer Games, Clerks 1/2) and his two buddies that are hired by the irripressible Jason Bateman (Michael Bluth from Arrested Development) playing an irreverent scumbag lawyer to depose Buddy for $50,000. Additionally, there's also a neo-nazi, hard rock lovin' trio, a solo assassin and Alicia Keyes with her buddy too that are after Buddy. Sounds like a lot of characters? It is. But they all have defined parts and personalities which help the flow and categorically come down to either archetypal good guys or bad guys.
Overall, it's an enjoyable, colourful action film with a fast pace that delivers whilst balancing the multitude of characters just enough to not bog the script down. Other camoeos include Matthew Fox (Lost, Party of Five) and Aussies Joel Edgerton (Ned Kelly, Star Wars Episode III) and Martin Henderson (The Ring, Little Fish). So, at the very least, based on the line-up, there's something there for almost everyone and if looking for a flashier, comical version of "The Departed" - this one is definitely the go.
3 starz
Pictures courtesy of:
apple.com
thecia.com.au
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
This one has its faults but I still dig it, can also understand the other side that hates it.
You can read my review for Smokin Aces HERE if your interested or Narc HERE.
Comment by Justin
Yeah, it probably polarises audiences from the outset as a guys film you either like or you don't. It's also brash, up-front but has a narrow focus. Of it's type Smokin Aces is perhaps not the best of the genre but nevertheless a good addition.
Hopefully in the future we can completely disagree on a film and do a cross-over special with one favouring whilst the other condemns it! I commented on the brilliant Narc last year ago, but missed the 'Aces review you did. You've even got trailers up-staging my review, which I did much later than yours!
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I'll definitely have to check this one out. I was interested but had heard bad reviews, so thought I'd wait a bit.
I love Ryan Reynold and Jason Bateman. They alone are probably enough for me to enjoy it!
Kylie
Comment by Justin
While Jason's part is quite short, director Joe Carnahan noted in the directors audio commentary that Jason's scene almost steals the whole film. It's that good.
Ryan also gives a credible performance not going too over the top and maintains his role effectively.