Smokin' Aces
Smokin' Aces
When a Las Vegas performer-turned-snitch named Buddy Israel decides to turn state's evidence and testify against the mob, it seems that a whole lot of people would like to make sure he's no longer breathing.
Mike Martins reviewedJune 13, 2025
Smokin' Aces is a chaotic, violent, and stylish ride that delivers exactly what it promises — pure adrenaline-fueled entertainment with a killer ensemble cast.
The movie revolves around a sleazy Las Vegas magician-turned-mob-informant with a price on his head, attracting a wild variety of hitmen, FBI agents, and bounty hunters in a race to take him down (or protect him). The result is a frantic and bloody showdown filled with plot twists, dark humor, and unexpected turns.
What stands out most is the bold directing style by Joe Carnahan — gritty, fast-paced, and laced with Tarantino-esque flair. The pacing is tight, and the film doesn’t shy away from its brutal, over-the-top moments. You can feel the tension building as each character closes in on their target.
The cast is stacked: Ryan Reynolds, Jeremy Piven, Common, Alicia Keys, Ben Affleck, Ray Liotta — each brings something distinct to the table, even if not all characters get equal screen time. Special shoutout to Alicia Keys and Taraji P. Henson, who absolutely steal scenes with their chemistry and badass energy.
Why not 5 stars? The story sometimes gets a little too tangled in its own cleverness, and a few characters feel underused or introduced too late. Still, it sticks the landing and offers a satisfying payoff.
🎯 Bottom line: If you're into gritty action flicks with big personalities and a dose of dark humor, Smokin' Aces is a wild, bullet-riddled ride worth taking.