Film Noir Review
"Smokin’ Aces" is fast-paced action!
by Judy Marker, Movie Critic
Buddy "Aces" Israel (Jeremy Pliven "Old School") must die. Short and to the point that is the theme of "Smokin’ Aces," an intense, violent and very adult action thriller now on the big screen.
Writer and Director Joe Camahan ("Narc") has assembled an impressive first-rate cast for his story and added more twists and turns then driving through the Marquette Interchange. The result is an adventure that will have you pretty much on the edge of your seat.
Israel is a sleazy but extremely popular Las Vegas magician who entertains more than just the tourists. He works for the mob and has attained so much power that he rivals them.
When he suddenly leaves Vegas and asks the feds for safety, his former associates offer anyone a million dollars to eliminate him. The net result is a process of elimination among a host of assassins from around the world.
Israel flees to what he thinks is the safety of Lake Tahoe with his security force headed by chief bodyguard Sir Ivy (rap artist Common).
The trouble for them is everyone seems to know they are holed up in the penthouse of a local hotel.
Now it is up to the feds led by FBI agents Richard Messner (Ryan Reynolds "Just Friends") and Donald Carruthers (Ray Liotta "Take the Lead") to keep Israel alive to testify against his former associates. But there is far more to the heart of the story.
The head of the West Coast mob is dying and could very well be on his last breaths. This is where a second story follows the effort to get Israel. Will the boss live long enough to be convicted?
FBI bigwig Stanley (Andy Garcia "Ocean’s Twelve") seems to know a lot more than the government is revealing about Israel. What could be the feds real motives in keeping him alive?
As the numerous assassins arrive in town several cross paths with fatal results. With fireworks occurring all over Lake Tahoe, the world media joins in as well.
Packing the most firepower is the team of Georgia (Alicia Keys) and Sharice (Taraji Henson "Hustle & Flow") who together form their own army and almost steal the starring roles.
Also appearing in this one hour and fifty minute adventure is Ben Afflick ("Hollywoodland") as bail bondsman Jack Dupree and Jason Bateman ("The Break-Up") as a mob attorney. Will anyone succeed in getting the one million dollars?
"Smokin’ Aces" is not for the faint of heart. You see the assassin’s contract includes taking Israel’s live heart to receive the cash.
That is where the two stories in "Smokin’ Aces" become one. The movie is rated "R" for strong violence, pervasive and degrading language, some nudity and drug use.
"Smokin’ Aces" is an action packed thriller that turns out to be better than expected thanks to both the fine cast and well written story. That is why it earns my second highest rating of "4-J’s/Don’t miss it!"
