list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around Smokin' Aces on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/Smokin_Aces/268658/default.aspx Title: Smokin' Aces
Year: 2007
Director: Joe Carnahan
Plot: When a shifty magician turns state's evidence against a Las Vegas underworld heavy, the high price placed on his head sparks a fevered race to rub the snitch out and collect a tidy paycheck in Narc director Joe Carnahan's dark action comedy. Buddy "Aces" Israel (Jeremy Piven) is a small time scammer who has somehow managed to get the goods on big time mobster Primo Sparazza. Upon discovering that Buddy is about to deliver the evidence needed to get him thrown in jail for life, Primo takes out a sizable contract on Buddy that entices every two-bit thug, grizzled bounty hunter, deadly vixen, skilled assassin, and ladder-climbing Mafioso within a hundred mile radius into taking a shot at the prize. Now holed up in his luxurious Lake Tahoe hideout with only two FBI Agents (Ryan Reynolds and Ray Liotta) standing between him from a virtual army of money-hungry rogues, Buddy is about to found out just how far this motley crew of killers is willing to go in order to take him out and hit the jackpot. Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Andy Garcia, Alicia Keys, and Martin Henderson co-star in a bullet-strewn, ensemble crime comedy that never stops to reload. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 17
Number of Lists: 31
Number of blog posts: 17
Number of discussion threads: 1
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:03:50 GMTSmokin' Aces2007Joe CarnahanWhen a shifty magician turns state's evidence against a Las Vegas underworld heavy, the high price placed on his head sparks a fevered race to rub the snitch out and collect a tidy paycheck in <a href=/films/205651/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Narc</a> director <a href="/players/P___235422/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Joe Carnahan</a>'s dark action comedy. Buddy "Aces" Israel (<a href="/players/P____57008/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Jeremy Piven</a>) is a small time scammer who has somehow managed to get the goods on big time mobster Primo Sparazza. Upon discovering that Buddy is about to deliver the evidence needed to get him thrown in jail for life, Primo takes out a sizable contract on Buddy that entices every two-bit thug, grizzled bounty hunter, deadly vixen, skilled assassin, and ladder-climbing Mafioso within a hundred mile radius into taking a shot at the prize. Now holed up in his luxurious Lake Tahoe hideout with only two FBI Agents (<a href="/players/P___232927/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Ryan Reynolds</a> and <a href="/players/P____42611/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Ray Liotta</a>) standing between him from a virtual army of money-hungry rogues, Buddy is about to found out just how far this motley crew of killers is willing to go in order to take him out and hit the jackpot. <a href="/players/P______426/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Ben Affleck</a>, <a href="/players/P_____4511/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Jason Bateman</a>, <a href="/players/P___196022/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Andy Garcia</a>, <a href="/players/P___301550/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Alicia Keys</a>, and <a href="/players/P___126257/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Martin Henderson</a> co-star in a bullet-strewn, ensemble crime comedy that never stops to reload. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide17Tag Target (>10)311713http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s268658.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Smokin_Aces/268658/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_March_23_Hotels_Motels_Inns/625/41245/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: rjsprague
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 3/25/2009 3:11:06 PM
Body: I just watched The Darjeeling Limited (finally). Part 1 was great, I just love Wes Anderson's style. The rest of the film was more of a train setting, but I figured part 1 counts for this week's theme. I would also like to mention The Royal Tenenbaums simply because of Royal's involvement with that one hotel in the film. :) Other films that come to mind: Smokin' Aces Holiday Inn The Great Outdoors (I consider the setting to be a lodge. :) There's plenty more, but I don't like to include films I haven't seen, or that were already mentioned.
]]>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:11:06 GMTrjspragueWeekly Theme3/25/2009 3:11:06 PMI just watched The Darjeeling Limited (finally). Part 1 was great, I just love Wes Anderson's style. The rest of the film was more of a train setting, but I figured part 1 counts for this week's theme. I would also like to mention The Royal Tenenbaums simply because of Royal's involvement with that one hotel in the film. :) Other films that come to mind: Smokin' Aces Holiday Inn The Great Outdoors (I consider the setting to be a lodge. :) There's plenty more, but I don't like to include films I haven't seen, or that were already mentioned. http://www.spout.com/blogs/tenenbaums/archive/2009/3/1/40763.aspx Post By: Tenenbaums
Post To: Tenenbaums Blog
Post Date: 3/1/2009 5:58:04 PM
Body: Joe Carnahan's Narc is enough of a directorial statement to get me to watch any of his films. That's not to say I wasn't hesitant to see Smokin' Aces after I couldn't find a decent review upon its release, but it's still enjoyable. Don't expect the depth and auteur stamp that was all over Narc and this film will provide enough thrills, laughs, and twists to be a worthwhile experience. But if that's not enough incentive to check it out, here you go: Jason Bateman in a thong.
]]>Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:58:04 GMTTenenbaumsTenenbaums Blog3/1/2009 5:58:04 PMJoe Carnahan's Narc is enough of a directorial statement to get me to watch any of his films. That's not to say I wasn't hesitant to see Smokin' Aces after I couldn't find a decent review upon its release, but it's still enjoyable. Don't expect the depth and auteur stamp that was all over Narc and this film will provide enough thrills, laughs, and twists to be a worthwhile experience. But if that's not enough incentive to check it out, here you go: Jason Bateman in a thong. http://www.spout.com/blogs/pauliebacker/archive/2008/3/25/26602.aspx Post By: pauliebacker
Post To: pauliebacker Blog
Post Date: 3/25/2008 5:15:12 PM
Body: Joe Carnahan delivers plenty of flash, flesh, and furious ferocity in his latest film, Smokin’ Aces. This violent romp is packed with outrageous characters and in-your-face shoot ‘em up mayhem. Though it is by no means a weighty or substantive narrative experience, it does have its merits. The bevy of over the top degenerates, the spiraling plot twists, and the unbalanced pacing can be hard to keep up with, but the octane keeps pumping and the never-say-die action hurls viewers onward. The focal point of this fracas is Buddy “Aces” Israel (Jeremy Piven), a drugged up, paranoid, mob snitch with a large bounty on his head. Israel is an ex-Vegas entertainer, turned wannabe mobster who decides to testify against his former mafia associates. Understandably this decision does not go over well with certain people, and as a result an unruly posse of sadistic assassins is directed to resolve the situation. Piven’s portrayal of the coke snorting lowlife magician is at times excessive (much like every other facet of this film) but still very convincing and compelling. Among the various violent scoundrels congregating at Israel’s scenic Lake Tahoe penthouse are three redneck, neo-nazi, lunatic brothers, two urban hit women with a hinted at lesbian relationship (Alicia Keys), a face stealing master of disguise, a heartless Spaniard famous for his torture techniques, and three common bounty hunting bail bondsmen from Las Vegas (Ben Affleck). Representing law and order in this riotous mix are the two FBI agents (Ray Liotta and Ryan Reynolds) who are sent to retrieve Israel before he meets a grizzly demise. If you are familiar with Ryan Reynolds previous work, specifically his role as Van Wilder, it can be a bit difficult to take him seriously. Most of the characters are amusing but lack any real depth or substance. We get nothing more than a glimpse under the surface and are unable to develop a connection with any particular individual. Through most of the movie it is fairly ambiguous who we ought to be rooting for. Whether intentional or not, this lack of a definitive protagonist prevents viewers from engaging emotionally with the characters and investing in the story. The style and mood of Smokin’ Aces is vaguely reminiscent of some Guy Ritchie films, such as Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000). Aces has a bit less grit and wit, but more exuberant energy and glitz. The dark humor and nearly cartoonish excess of violence brings Quinton Tarantino to mind, but Smoking’ Aces pales in comparison with his originality and flair. This film is an amusing adrenaline boost, but it does not provide anything to sink your teeth into in terms of message or scope, nor does it resonate on anything but a visceral level. If you’re after an hour and forty odd minutes of hold-nothing-back, in-your-face, extra violent, brazen action mixed with flashy visual imagery, then you won’t be disappointed. However, if you hope for a meaty developed plot and a satisfying holistic cinematic experience, you may want to look elsewhere.
]]>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:15:12 GMTpauliebackerpauliebacker Blog3/25/2008 5:15:12 PMJoe Carnahan delivers plenty of flash, flesh, and furious ferocity in his latest film, Smokin&rsquo; Aces. This violent romp is packed with outrageous characters and in-your-face shoot &lsquo;em up mayhem. Though it is by no means a weighty or substantive narrative experience, it does have its merits. The bevy of over the top degenerates, the spiraling plot twists, and the unbalanced pacing can be hard to keep up with, but the octane keeps pumping and the never-say-die action hurls viewers onward. The focal point of this fracas is Buddy &ldquo;Aces&rdquo; Israel (Jeremy Piven), a drugged up, paranoid, mob snitch with a large bounty on his head. Israel is an ex-Vegas entertainer, turned wannabe mobster who decides to testify against his former mafia associates. Understandably this decision does not go over well with certain people, and as a result an unruly posse of sadistic assassins is directed to resolve the situation. Piven&rsquo;s portrayal of the coke snorting lowlife magician is at times excessive (much like every other facet of this film) but still very convincing and compelling. Among the various violent scoundrels congregating at Israel&rsquo;s scenic Lake Tahoe penthouse are three redneck, neo-nazi, lunatic brothers, two urban hit women with a hinted at lesbian relationship (Alicia Keys), a face stealing master of disguise, a heartless Spaniard famous for his torture techniques, and three common bounty hunting bail bondsmen from Las Vegas (Ben Affleck). Representing law and order in this riotous mix are the two FBI agents (Ray Liotta and Ryan Reynolds) who are sent to retrieve Israel before he meets a grizzly demise. If you are familiar with Ryan Reynolds previous work, specifically his role as Van Wilder, it can be a bit difficult to take him seriously. Most of the characters are amusing but lack any real depth or substance. We get nothing more than a glimpse under the surface and are unable to develop a connection with any particular individual. Through most of the movie it is fairly ambiguous who we ought to be rooting for. Whether intentional or not, this lack of a definitive protagonist prevents viewers from engaging emotionally with the characters and investing in the story. The style and mood of Smokin&rsquo; Aces is vaguely reminiscent of some Guy Ritchie films, such as Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000). Aces has a bit less grit and wit, but more exuberant energy and glitz. The dark humor and nearly cartoonish excess of violence brings Quinton Tarantino to mind, but Smoking&rsquo; Aces pales in comparison with his originality and flair. This film is an amusing adrenaline boost, but it does not provide anything to sink your teeth into in terms of message or scope, nor does it resonate on anything but a visceral level. If you&rsquo;re after an hour and forty odd minutes of hold-nothing-back, in-your-face, extra violent, brazen action mixed with flashy visual imagery, then you won&rsquo;t be disappointed. However, if you hope for a meaty developed plot and a satisfying holistic cinematic experience, you may want to look elsewhere. http://www.spout.com/blogs/pratchettfan/archive/2008/1/29/24491.aspx Post By: pratchettfan
Post To: pratchettfan Blog
Post Date: 1/29/2008 7:41:20 AM
Body: Something special had to happen to celebrate my 25th birthday. And going to the movies all day long is something unique, something I haven't done before :). To my pleasant surprise lots of people decided to join me, even if just for one or two movies. Nevertheless, there were four of us going the whole nine yards.The day started at 2pm with 'An Inconvenient Truth', Al Gore's documentary about global warming. To be honest, there were now new facts revealed, but it was nevertheless very interesting to see those facts condensed and supported by powerful pictures.After a short break we continued with 'Pan's Labyrinth', which turned out to be my favorite movie of the day. A compelling fantasy-tale about a small girl trying to flee the cruelties of war into a fantasy world, it isn't a movie for children though.Third in line was 'Smokin' Aces'. The trailer looked quite promising, but the movie failed miserably. We weren't sure if it wanted to be more comic or more dramatic, but neither approach worked. The term 'mindless violence' quite closely fits the feeling that we left the movie with.To round things up we visited the midnight screening of 'Ghost Rider'. After 'Smokin' Aces' this was a real joy. The movie was funny and successfully so and still had very cool characters and scenes.On the whole it was a memorable birthday party :)
]]>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:41:20 GMTpratchettfanpratchettfan Blog1/29/2008 7:41:20 AMSomething special had to happen to celebrate my 25th birthday. And going to the movies all day long is something unique, something I haven&#39;t done before :). To my pleasant surprise lots of people decided to join me, even if just for one or two movies. Nevertheless, there were four of us going the whole nine yards.The day started at 2pm with &#39;An Inconvenient Truth&#39;, Al Gore&#39;s documentary about global warming. To be honest, there were now new facts revealed, but it was nevertheless very interesting to see those facts condensed and supported by powerful pictures.After a short break we continued with &#39;Pan&#39;s Labyrinth&#39;, which turned out to be my favorite movie of the day. A compelling fantasy-tale about a small girl trying to flee the cruelties of war into a fantasy world, it isn&#39;t a movie for children though.Third in line was &#39;Smokin&#39; Aces&#39;. The trailer looked quite promising, but the movie failed miserably. We weren&#39;t sure if it wanted to be more comic or more dramatic, but neither approach worked. The term &#39;mindless violence&#39; quite closely fits the feeling that we left the movie with.To round things up we visited the midnight screening of &#39;Ghost Rider&#39;. After &#39;Smokin&#39; Aces&#39; this was a real joy. The movie was funny and successfully so and still had very cool characters and scenes.On the whole it was a memorable birthday party :) http://www.spout.com/blogs/gglah85/archive/2007/8/19/18391.aspx Post By: gglah85
Post To: gglah85 Blog
Post Date: 8/19/2007 1:41:58 PM
Body: this film was absolute garbage, but in the most entertaining way! i can only hope that it was on purpose.
]]>Sun, 19 Aug 2007 17:41:58 GMTgglah85gglah85 Blog8/19/2007 1:41:58 PMthis film was absolute garbage, but in the most entertaining way! i can only hope that it was on purpose. http://www.spout.com/blogs/kerihawkins/archive/2007/7/14/14488.aspx Post By: kerihawkins
Post To: kerihawkins Blog
Post Date: 7/14/2007 11:19:18 PM
Body: After being bugged to death by my husband to rent this movie, I finally gave in. Imagine my shock when I actually liked it. Don't get me wrong, it's not the kind of film that will challenge your intellect, but it is extremely entertaining. I liked the ensemble cast, especially Alicia Keys and Ryan Reynolds. I thought they both gave great performances. I usually dread watching shoot-em-up action flicks with my hubby, but this one surprised me, therefore, I would recommend it.
]]>Sun, 15 Jul 2007 03:19:18 GMTkerihawkinskerihawkins Blog7/14/2007 11:19:18 PMAfter being bugged to death by my husband to rent this movie, I finally gave in. Imagine my shock when I actually liked it. Don&#39;t get me wrong, it&#39;s not the kind of film that will challenge your intellect, but it is extremely entertaining. I liked the ensemble cast, especially Alicia Keys and Ryan Reynolds. I thought they both gave great performances. I usually dread watching shoot-em-up action flicks with my hubby, but this one surprised me, therefore, I would recommend it. http://www.spout.com/blogs/madelejm/archive/2007/6/25/12180.aspx Post By: madelejm
Post To: madelejm Blog
Post Date: 6/25/2007 9:49:41 PM
Body: This flick is trying to rework some of the classic elements of exploitation cinema. There are a lot of really fun moments, but it just falls short of delivering on the slick version of the drive-in classic. I had fun, but this film just didn't hold together. It feels a bit like the less funny version of Hot Fuzz. It does have some wicked big guns and a trio of assasins that seem to have stepped right out of Mad Max (they were hilarious).
]]>Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:49:41 GMTmadelejmmadelejm Blog6/25/2007 9:49:41 PMThis flick is trying to rework some of the classic elements of exploitation cinema. There are a lot of really fun moments, but it just falls short of delivering on the slick version of the drive-in classic. I had fun, but this film just didn&#39;t hold together. It feels a bit like the less funny version of Hot Fuzz. It does have some wicked big guns and a trio of assasins that seem to have stepped right out of Mad Max (they were hilarious). http://www.spout.com/blogs/thecauterizer/archive/2007/6/20/11464.aspx Post By: TheCauterizer
Post To: TheCauterizer Blog
Post Date: 6/20/2007 12:34:03 AM
Body: This is a freakin' awesome movie! It's kinda slow in the beginning but that's because they're building up to the explosive climax!! Several good plot twists!
]]>Wed, 20 Jun 2007 04:34:03 GMTTheCauterizerTheCauterizer Blog6/20/2007 12:34:03 AMThis is a freakin&#39; awesome movie! It&#39;s kinda slow in the beginning but that&#39;s because they&#39;re building up to the explosive climax!! Several good plot twists! http://www.spout.com/blogs/ggotchemical/archive/2007/6/13/11051.aspx Post By: ggotchemical
Post To: ggotchemical Blog
Post Date: 6/13/2007 9:20:43 PM
Body: This movie kicked ass!!! I loved Alicia Keys in it she made such an awesome part even hotter/awesomer! Taraji Henson was amazingly psycho. I thought everyone else in this movie was also amazing i LOVED IT and i plan on buying it soon.
]]>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 01:20:43 GMTggotchemicalggotchemical Blog6/13/2007 9:20:43 PMThis movie kicked ass!!! I loved Alicia Keys in it she made such an awesome part even hotter/awesomer! Taraji Henson was amazingly psycho. I thought everyone else in this movie was also amazing i LOVED IT and i plan on buying it soon. http://www.spout.com/blogs/matt99/archive/2007/6/9/10497.aspx Post By: matt99
Post To: matt99 Blog
Post Date: 6/9/2007 9:00:04 AM
Body: this movie was the best movie i saw this year because its an action movie [i love action] and it had alot of gore in it (i kinda dont like too much gore) but it was all over tha place but overall, it was a great movie i giv it two thumbs up
]]>Sat, 09 Jun 2007 13:00:04 GMTmatt99matt99 Blog6/9/2007 9:00:04 AMthis movie was the best movie i saw this year because its an action movie [i love action] and it had alot of gore in it (i kinda dont like too much gore) but it was all over tha place but overall, it was a great movie i giv it two thumbs up http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/action/MemberTagFilms.aspxaction
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