Smokin’ Aces is the latest gangster/hitman action comedy from writer/director Joe Carnahan. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Jeremy Piven, Ben Affleck, Ray Liotta, Andy Garcia among many others. It also features the film debut of Alicia Keys, and hip hop artist Common.
The latest in the long line of hip, ultra stylish gangster movies, Smokin Aces will probably be compared to Quentin Tarrantino’s Pulp Fiction or Guy Ritchie’s Snatch. The aces in the title refer to Buddy “Aces” Israel, a Las Vegas entertainer turned wannabe mob boss played by the excellent Jeremy Piven. When Israel testifies against his mafia pals, aging mob boss Primo Sparraza puts a one million dollar contract him. As the news hits the streets, every hitman/woman, bounty hunter and oddball character comes after Israel. The film features a large ensemble cast, each with their own story and agendas. The plot jumps from character to character eventually colliding together for the action packed final act.
Although the premise is almost comic book like, it is played pretty seriously with a dash of black humour. Despite being the title character, more time could have been spent on Piven’s character Buddy “Aces” Israel. Israel is a heavily medicated and mentally unstable washed up celebrity, reminiscent of a burnt out Elvis. With such a large cast, I found it hard to keep up with all the separate characters and their storylines. That being said, this is not the kind of movie to get too bogged down by things like plot. Just sit back and enjoy. Also keep your eyes peeled for the many hilarious cameos.
Carnahan directs “aces” like a good poker game. He plays it straight, bluffing the audience though enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Although I thoroughly enjoyed it, Aces is not for everyone. There’s plenty of blood, bullets, babes, gunfights and stylised action to keep action fans happy. It’s ultra-stylish and violent, but be warned, there is a large body count. It’s fast paced, it is certainly never boring, as what it lacks in originality, it makes up for in style. Check it out if you’re a fan of any Tarantino, Guy Ritchie film or just gangster films in general. “Aces” is definitely a winning hand.
