By MATTHEW REYNOLDS

mar032@latech.edu

 

An accomplished cast of characters meshes together well to make up this high-octane hit-man drama.

This crude film is the perfect guy flick loaded with fierce, sometimes outlandish shootouts and barely-clothed attractive females.

Unlike director Joe Carnahan’s previous film, “Narc,” this film is more action driven and less intellectual stimulating.

Jeremy Piven (“Entourage”) stars as Buddy “Aces” Israel, a Las Vegas magician who plans to turn over state evidence on his mob friends for immunity from prosecution.

In response to Israel’s intentions, the mob puts out a million-dollar-hit on him, which perks the interest of many professional assassins that make there way to Lake Tahoe where Israel is in hiding.

With word of the contract on Israel’s life, FBI agents, played by Ray Liota (“Goodfellas”),  Ryan Reynolds (“Van Wilder”) and Andy Garcia (“Oceans Eleven”), are sent to prevent the hit from taking place.

Among the many assassins trying to off Israel is a slimy, pool hustling bail bondsman played by Ben Affleck (“Armageddon”) and hot lesbian sharpshooter played by Grammy award winning R&B Artist Alicia Keys.

Along with these assassins, there is a band of cystal-meth-fueled neo-Nazis’ that our out to get the prize money for Israel’s head.

FBI Agents Donald Curruthers (Liota) and Richard Messner (Reynolds) have the tough task of being one step ahead of the seasoned killers to keep Israel alive to testify and put a dent into organized crime.

The film jumps around from scene to scene confusingly because usually the two are completely unrelated.

This, along with the over-the-top mindless violence, is the main faults of this action-thriller that runs just ten minutes short of two hours. 

“Smokin’ Aces” isn’t an award winning action drama, so don’t take it too seriously.

You can’t go into viewing this movie with thoughts of Oscar nominations.

It’s just a little too Die Hardish.

 However, if you are in the mood for bullets, boobs and blood, this is your poison.