Smokin' Aces: Review By Spoogology

I enjoyed Joe Carnahan's Smokin' Aces, like his previous film Narc. The film revolves around washed up illusionist Buddy "Aces" Israel (Jeremy Piven) and his safety in the Witness Protection Program with FBI, when mob boss Primo Sparazza is said to want Israel's heart. Somehow, thw word spreads on this and hitmen, contract killers, skinheads and others believe that if they kill Israel, they will receive one million dollars. It's up to Agents Messner and Carruthers (Ryan Reynolds and Ray Liotta) to transport Aces back to FBI Headquarters, safely.

The film has few supporting cast members, pretty much all lead roles. Alicia Keys and Taraji P. Henson portray two female contract killers named Georgia Sykes and Sharice Waters. Common portrays Sir Ivy, Israel's best friend and right hand man who believes he is going to be ratted out to the FBI by Israel. Ben Affleck plays a bail bondsman, who with two former police officers (Martin Henderson and Peter Berg), is contacted by Rip Reeds (Jason Bateman)- a cross dressing attorney who informs them on the "contract". Andy Garcia, Chris Pine, Kevin Durand, Christopher Holley and Matthew Fox also star in the film.

I enjoyed the film. It contains many twists and turns and very little comedy. Ryan Reynolds gives an amazing peformance, without his sarcastic humor. Common and Alicia Keys are stunning. Not many females portray contract killers. Jeremy Piven is great as the title character. He doesn't give any jokes.

Joe Carnahan deserves a lot of credit for writing such an amazing story. I prefer that it was a limited release, that what makes it so amazing. I definitely recommend the film to anyone who may enjoy Ray Liotta films, Jeremy Piven films or Joe Carnahan's Narc.