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Reviews
Smokin' Aces (2006)
flawed, inconsistent saved by Jeremy Piven's character.
This movie is a perfect example of "how to ruin a flick that has great potential".
I watched it for the second time, just to give it a second chance and it simply does not deliver. Sure there is shooting, cursing, hookers and mafia, but it's all served in a vomit-inducing way.
First - too much graphic violence. Chainsaw ? Machete ? Electric current on the testicles ? Fingertip munching ? WTH, producers ? Lack of balance and good taste - or trying to cash-in on violence in order to please mainstream idiots - either way you guys are guilty. Nothing more to say. U trying to shock the audiences ? FAILED. I wanna be shocked - I can look around and see whats going on in the world if I feel like it.
Second - this movie is wannabe Snatch - It has no style, no humor, no characters that make us care. Introducing new characters as the film goes on with a freeze-frame shot and the name didn't work here - felt forced and lacked style.
Third - actors. On their own - talented. Here - I can think of only one conclusion - bad casting. Ray Liotta and Ryan Reynolds ? Bad mix. Ben Affleck - getting killed of early on - kudos for showing us that Mr. Affleck can get a role where he is not the center of the universe, nice to know. As to Mr. Reynolds - well, he certainly tried to deliver. But honestly he should stick to comedy. He will ALWAYS be the guy that fed jizz-buns to some poor schmucks.
Sorry, tough luck. Seriously sir, DO NOT ATTEMPT to take on roles in dramas, crime flicks or sci-fi (blade) because you work good in comedy. Accept it - temet nosce.
I could go on - karate kid fiasco, characters that are neither likable nor real bad guys, ho ho ho jokes in overabundance, showing women in a totally degrading way, FBI that is as trustworthy as a pawn shop owner with golden tooth, UTTER IDIOTISMS like shooting with a handgun at a hotel across the street trying to take out a sniper...
The best part of this movie is definitely the title character - Buddy "Aces" Israel. Jeremy Piven is worth watching here. Good lines, good tempo, good charisma and BELIEVABLE acting. Seriously Mr. Piven - I hope to see you in roles that are worthy of your talent. You have style sir, I applaud you. Now all you need to do is find projects that are tailor-made for you, because even though you did decent in this film, you shouldn't have participated in this project.
Final verdict - worth watching if you get it on cable or on a flight. Don't get the DVD - it is not worth your support.
My Beautiful Son (2001)
Very touching beautiful movie
I have just watched it on Hallmark and must say - don't miss this one. It's a really moving story with likable characters , a nice performance by Paul Reiser , and a serious twist at the end.
I tend to think that I am a tough viewer but I could really cry during this movie , it was really touching with motives as motherly love , members of family reunited etc.
Quite interesting to see the clash between Liverpool and New York Psychiatrist's realities.
Amy Robbins was also pleasant to look at - kinda hot really ;) Was awesome to look at her at the beginning and say "meh" and then suddenly - hold it who's that chick ? No waaay ! So props to the lady - will check out Casualty for her definitely.
All in all it's a decent piece of drama with comedy moments - If I would have to choose between having 10 Block Buster Productions that cost 100 million bucks to make and and 100 productions that cost less but tell an interesting story , and do it so good as this movie - I wouldn't hesitate for a second.
Definitely recommend it.