Smokin' Aces

**1/2 Stars

First off, this is a blueprint of Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs. Director Joe Carnahan even uses the same conversations. In the opening sequence, two men are scoping out a criminal, and talking about fast food. Eerie, isn't it?

Mob boss Primo Sparazza has taken out a hefty contract on Buddy "Aces" Israel (a scene stealing Jeremy Piven, who is raising his already Ari Gold character from Entourage to new heights) a sleazy magician who has agreed to turn state's evidence against the Vegas mob. The FBI, sensing a chance to use this small-time con to bring down big-target Sparazza, places Aces into protective custody-under the supervision of two agents dispatched to Isreal's Lake Tahoe hideout. When word of the price on his body spreads into the community of ex-cons and cons-to-be, it entices bounty hunters, thugs-for-hire, deadly vixens and double-crossing mobsters to join in the hunt. With all eyes on Tahoe, the film collides in a comic race to hit the jackpot and rub out a drugged up snitch

Smokin' Aces does have a great ensemble cast including Jeremy Piven, Ben Affleck, Ray Liotta, Ryan Reynolds, Any Garcia, and Alicia Keys. It has a cultivated sense of style, and the ride to the end can be a lot of fun. But it forgets why it exists when it becomes way too offensive. I am still debating an awful scene in this movie. How can a nine year old boy sprout an eight inch erection while pretending to num-chuck a helpless man on his knees missing three fingers on his hand from a brutal and potentially deadly gunshot wound? I wonder how in the world the parents of this child actor agreed to this scene. A strong payoff seems like the right scenario.