Movie: Smokin' Aces...

Synopsis: An incendiary array of stars-including Ben Affleck, Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, Jeremy Piven, Ryan Reynolds, Peter Berg, Martin Henderson, Taraji Henson and, in their motion-picture debuts, Alicia Keys and Common-star in Smokin' Aces, the new dark action comedy from Joe Carnahan, the acclaimed director of Narc. In these interlocking tales of high stakes and low lifes, Mob boss Primo Sparazza has taken out a hefty contract on Buddy "Aces" Israel (Piven)-a sleazy magician who has agreed to turn state's evidence against the Vegas mob. The FBI, sensing a chance to use this small-time con to bring down big-target Sparazza, places Aces into protective custody-under the supervision of two agents (Reynolds and Liotta) dispatched to Aces' Lake Tahoe hideout. When word of the price on Aces' head spreads into the community of ex-cons and cons-to-be, it entices bounty hunters, thugs-for-hire, smokin' hot vixens and double-crossing mobsters to join in the hunt. With all eyes on Tahoe, this rogues' gallery collides in a comic race to hit the jackpot and rub out Aces.

---

I heard from a co-worker that this movie was Tarrantino-esque... I can't say that I agree, except that there were "interlocking tales of high stakes and low lifes". It was not nearly as witty as Tarrantino films and the characters were not as colorful. I had a conversation with JM on the weekend after he had watched it too... we pretty much disagreed on every point but one... they didn't spend enough time developing the characters. Regardless, I still enjoyed the movie... he couldn't stand it :P I'd say this is more of a rental for sure... BTW AK, it was a BARRETT "Light Fifty" .50 Caliber Semi Automatic Rifle... Joe Carnahan discloses that in this interview. Oh ya... had I known that Ben Affleck was in it... I prolly wouldn't have gone to see it... fortunately for me he dies in the first 15 minutes :P