Review of Smokin' Aces (2006) by Deric T — 15 Nov 2009
Smokin' Aces isn't the most original endeavor, but it has enough wit, action and dramatic weight to carve out its own rightful place of honor in the crime film genre. There are enough subplots and cool ideas in Smokin' Aces to have sustained four films let alone one: the "are they in love or aren't they?" bond between Georgia and Sharice; the backstory about a long-dead undercover FBI agent; the disintegrating friendship between Buddy and his right-hand man, Sir Ivy (rapper Common, making a solid film acting debut); and Messner's gradual disillusionment with the agency.
It is this heart and soul that raises Smokin' Aces above its brethren in the guns, guts and great one-liners sub-genre. While Aces may seem to be too close to Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie's turf for some, Carnahan's story ultimately offers more than superficial coolness or blackly comic tough guy posturing.
The moments between Georgia and Sharice (and later Sir Ivy), or any of Buddy's breakdown moments, are just as involving as any of the thrilling guns-blazing set-pieces.
This review of Smokin' Aces (2006) was written by Deric T on 15 Nov 2009.
Smokin' Aces has generally received mixed reviews.
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