9/10 for Smokin' Aces, the new action/drama starring Jeremy Piven.
This movie won't get onto the top 250, nor will it win any Oscars. It will be bashed for its "copying" of other movies' styles, themes, etc... but in reality, Smokin' Aces is a hip, cool and violent action movie that is told in almost a story-mode, and then extends itself into the usual movie mode where events are just told through seeing them. No spoilers, but I'll give the basic plot: Buddy "Aces" Israel is a washed up hotshot from Las Vegas who was in the mob and now is in trouble with the FBI. To ensure he is let off the hook, he offers to give up the names of some of his co-mobsters. The mob boss sends a universal contract to kill Israel and get his heart (literally). The prize is a cool million, and there are several hit men looking to get the job done.
Jeremy Piven as Aces is perfect. Playing a dramatic prick (sometiems similar to his role as Ari on Entourage) and later on an emotionally battered, washed-up wreck - Piven shows his quality. This movie is in limited release, but I think ultimately Piven has made a good choice by taking this movie. He has a great range of emotion, everything felt authentic, and he made me laugh, cry, and everything in between.
Ultimately, see this if you are into action movies, things like Sin City, Kill Bill - lots of violence but an intelligent plot to it as well (though some would argue that the plot was retarded, I found it cool). It is under 2 hours, the movie goes by at a blazing pace, and by the end you are impressed with a smile on your face. Definitely one of the coolest movies I've seen of late, and it's a shame directors don't have the snazz to make 'em like this anymore. The closest thing you can relate it to is Snatch/Lock Stock Two Smoking Barrels, but this one has a lot more blood, gore, guns, guts and naked ladies (hence the 18A rating, at least here in Canada).
If you enjoy a good action flick, something fun, go see it. You won't be disappointed.
This movie won't get onto the top 250, nor will it win any Oscars. It will be bashed for its "copying" of other movies' styles, themes, etc... but in reality, Smokin' Aces is a hip, cool and violent action movie that is told in almost a story-mode, and then extends itself into the usual movie mode where events are just told through seeing them. No spoilers, but I'll give the basic plot: Buddy "Aces" Israel is a washed up hotshot from Las Vegas who was in the mob and now is in trouble with the FBI. To ensure he is let off the hook, he offers to give up the names of some of his co-mobsters. The mob boss sends a universal contract to kill Israel and get his heart (literally). The prize is a cool million, and there are several hit men looking to get the job done.
Jeremy Piven as Aces is perfect. Playing a dramatic prick (sometiems similar to his role as Ari on Entourage) and later on an emotionally battered, washed-up wreck - Piven shows his quality. This movie is in limited release, but I think ultimately Piven has made a good choice by taking this movie. He has a great range of emotion, everything felt authentic, and he made me laugh, cry, and everything in between.
Ultimately, see this if you are into action movies, things like Sin City, Kill Bill - lots of violence but an intelligent plot to it as well (though some would argue that the plot was retarded, I found it cool). It is under 2 hours, the movie goes by at a blazing pace, and by the end you are impressed with a smile on your face. Definitely one of the coolest movies I've seen of late, and it's a shame directors don't have the snazz to make 'em like this anymore. The closest thing you can relate it to is Snatch/Lock Stock Two Smoking Barrels, but this one has a lot more blood, gore, guns, guts and naked ladies (hence the 18A rating, at least here in Canada).
If you enjoy a good action flick, something fun, go see it. You won't be disappointed.