Smokin' Aces Review

The content advice warning on Joe Carnahan's stylish thriller "Smokin' Aces" says "Contains strong, bloody violence". Frankly, that's something of an understatement, but if strong, bloody violence is your thing then "Smokin' Aces" has your name splattered all over it. Jeremy Piven ("Entourage") plays Las Vegas magician-turned-mob-snitch Buddy "Aces" Israel, who's holed up under heavy guard in a Lake Tahoe hotel suite, under the protection of the Feds (including Ryan Reynolds and Ray Liotta). However, with Buddy about to turn State's evidence, there's a huge bounty on his head, so a variety of hitmen and bounty hunters (including Alicia Keys, Ben Affleck and Chris Pine) attempt to wipe him out, with the Feds caught in the middle of the ensuing bloodbath.

Directed in slick, stylish fashion by Joe Carnahan (who made the excellent "Narc"), the film has a pleasingly chaotic vibe to it, even though it's occasionally difficult to keep track of what's going on, owing to the large number of characters. Fortunately, their numbers start dwindling pretty sharpish and at least one of the big names doesn't even make it to a third scene.

The performances are excellent. Alicia Keys makes a strong impression in her film debut, while Ryan Reynolds gives his best performance to date in a surprisingly serious role (the trademarked wisecracks are notable by their absence). Piven is good too and there are scene-stealing cameos from the likes of Matthew Fox (from "Lost") and Jason Bateman ("Arrested Development") as a pair of sleazy yet hilarious bail bondsman.

In short, this is a fast-paced, smartly directed thriller that delivers plenty of BANG for your buck, though the violence may be too strong for some.