Smokin' Aces
Rated: R
Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes
Directed by: Joe Carnahan
Starring:
Ben Affleck - Jack Dupree
Jason Bateman - Rip Reed
Common - Sir Ivy
Andy Garcia - Stanley Locke
Ray Liotta - Donald Carruthers
Jeremy Piven - Buddy "Aces" Israel
Peter Berg - "Pistol" Pete Deeks
Ryan Reynolds - Richard Messner
Martin Henderson - Hollis Elmore
Alicia Keys - Georgia Sykes
Chris Pine - Darwin Tremor
Kevin Durand - Jeeves Tremor
Maury Sterling - Lester Tremor
Tommy Flanagan - Lazlo Soot
Smokin’ Aces isn’t the film you expect it to be. The ads provide a hint of the insanity but the film is full of actors shattering their previous best work and scenes that take the time to make this movie more than a stylish bloodbath. Joe Carnahan’s (Narc) script and direction constantly has the film on the brink of failure by being too uneven or too indecisive. But just before he falls off into oblivion, it turns that while’s he’s certainly crazy, he’s also in control.
The film revels in its ludicrous plot: Buddy “Aces” Israel, a Vegas entertainer/wannabe mobster, is about to totally self-destruct and his self-destruction is leading him to rat out the Cosa Nostra mob boss to the FBI. A million dollar hit is contracted against Buddy and the most dangerous hitmen (and women) descend on his hideout in Lake Tahoe to see who can cut out his heart and claim the Bin-Laden-sized bounty. Along with the colorful menagerie of murderers, two FBI agents are racing to take Israel into custody and three bondsmen want the $50,000 for returning the bail-skipping Buddy.
Not only does every single member of the massive cast pull their weight, expect to join the fan club of some previously underestimated actors. Chris Pine, whose last major role was opposite Lindsay Lohan in Just My Luck and Martin Henderson of Torque are just a couple of the surprises. But even the actors like Ryan Reynolds and Jeremy Piven, who have become predictably great playing fast-talking, scene-stealing smart-asses, completely subvert expectations by playing the meaty dramatic roles of this ridiculous rampage.
I don’t agree with all of Carnahan’s choices. I think the film’s opening exposition and character introductions are a little too dry. And if you can figure out who’s who, you still have to process the backstory explaining the relationship between Buddy and the FBI. And while I rarely advocate more violence and gore, the film’s insane tone and crazy visuals make the kills seem relatively tame when compared to the surrounding action.
Aces will certainly divide audiences. If the film’s constant rollercoaster of motives and tonality throw you for a loop, you’ll find yourself wanting to get off this ride as soon as possible. However, if you can keep up with Carnahan’s bizarre pacing and storytelling, you’ll find an ultimately enjoyable piece of action insanity.
Words by
Matt Goldberg
1.7.07