Smokin' Aces

The actual idea behind the film as played out in the reveal near the end really could have had something going for it especially given the cast listing but everyone is woefully underused in a comedy-style (not intentional) 'gumball rally' of hired killers.

Big bangs - lots of blood but it fails to excite or grip, too many disparate groups trying to do something and you dont give a stuff what really happens to any of 'em.

One of the worst films I have ever seen. I cannot believe this film ever made in into general release.

Guy Ritchie seems to have made a huge impression with his directorial approach over in Hollywood, as Joe Carnahan seems to have totally plagiarized his style and made a 'Lock Stock/Snatch' for the American box office with Smokin' Aces. Everything from the opening credits, the quirky characters, editing, soundtrack, everyone merging at the same place for the climatic shoot out, all appear to have been the influence of ex-Mr. Madonna. However, Smokin' Aces lacks the cocky charm and charisma that 'Lock Stock' and 'Snatch' have running through them and instead attempts to use cunning, with its twist in the tale, that by the time it arrives you want some cockney geezer to head but you as a sign of affection.

When big show magician turned wannabe gangster decides to turn state side snitch and reveal all about the mob, there seems to be more than one person that wants to stop his tongue wagging. All the possible assassins that can get their hands on this contract seem to have found it and merge on a penthouse suite in Las Vegas for the big show down, along with the FBI.

There is a knock out cast for this production with all putting in fine performances; even when shot and killed Ben Affleck manages to create a knock out performance, with some hands on help from Chris Pine; but the stand out performance of this film has to be Jeremy Piven who plays the cocaine fueled snitch Buddy Israel. Even though his character is completely buzzing off his face like a bee with a pollen over dose, he manages to make every gesture subtle and transfixing.

The film as a whole though does not manage to carry itself to its audience and Carnahan seems to rely on the explosive violence and inventive copy cat techniques of Guy Richie. At least the first third of the film is setting the plot through narrative from Ben Affleck as Jack Dupree, playing pool in a funny hat with ex-cop chums, whilst the audience is exposed to quick cut editing of the character who is being introduced to the plot with their back story, accompanied by a funky soundtrack and nifty camera moves; a bit like how Guy Ritchie does it in Lock Stock and Snatch.

Without the cocky charm of its British inspired cousins; the Hollywood pirate version, with its greedy, self indulgent characters and their harsh violence seems too macabre; there is not enough light relief to lift you out of the gritty world these people inhabit. As Vinnie Jones said in Lock Stock 'It's been emotional' but Smokin' Aces makes you wish it was one emotional experience you could have done without.

wants to be a glossy lock stock type of film and misses on all angles. No character building and no humour of any kind and you very quickly start to not care what happens next. You can spot the linked story plots a mile away, so no 'oooo never expected that' moment you get from the good british ganster style films. Not worth the hard work.

Not the worst film in the world, but was not engaging at all.

Bit of a waste of an excellent cast list, the plot tries to be cleaver, without having any one smart writing it.

If you want to see how this should have been done, watch lucky number slevin - far better story and executed with more style.