Everything you need to know about SMOKIN’ ACES …and how it relates to you and the world around you. Includes info on the actors, director, with news, reviews,

Everything you need to Everything you need to know about know about

SMOKIN’ ACESSMOKIN’ ACES

……and how it relates to you and how it relates to you and the world around you.and the world around you.

Includes info on the Includes info on the actors, director, with news, actors, director, with news, reviews, and photos.reviews, and photos.

Visual ReviewVisual ReviewVisual ReviewVisual Review

visual review bydavid bruce

visualhollywood.com

In these interlocking tales of high stakes and low lifes, Mob boss Primo In these interlocking tales of high stakes and low lifes, Mob boss Primo Sparazza has taken out a hefty contract on Buddy "Aces" Israel --a sleazy Sparazza has taken out a hefty contract on Buddy "Aces" Israel --a sleazy magician who has agreed to turn state's evidence against the Vegas mob. 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-The FBI, sensing a chance to use this small-time con to bring down big-target Sparazza, places Aces into protective custody-under the target Sparazza, places Aces into protective custody-under the supervision of two agents dispatched to Aces' Lake Tahoe hideout. supervision of two agents dispatched to Aces' Lake Tahoe hideout.

SHORT SYNOPSISMovies Contain the

Essence of Being Human

Ben Affleck Ben Affleck (Jack Dupree) (Jack Dupree) starred in starred in Good Will Good Will HuntingHunting, which he , which he co-wrote with Matt co-wrote with Matt Damon. They won an Damon. They won an Academy Award for Academy Award for Best Original Best Original Screenplay.Screenplay.

KEY ACTORS

Andy Garcia Andy Garcia (Stanley Locke) (Stanley Locke) Recognized as a Recognized as a talented and talented and versatile actor. He versatile actor. He has also established has also established himself as a director, himself as a director, producer, composer producer, composer and musician.and musician.

Alicia Keys Alicia Keys (Georgia Sykes) (Georgia Sykes) A Grammy Award-A Grammy Award-winning, multi-winning, multi-platinum recording platinum recording artist with two artist with two feature films slated feature films slated for release in 2007.for release in 2007.

The Cinematic Arts Have the Power to Transform

Joe Carnahan Joe Carnahan (Writter and Director)(Writter and Director)Directed the critically Directed the critically acclaimed cop drama acclaimed cop drama Narc, which premiered Narc, which premiered at the Sundance Film at the Sundance Film Festival in 2002 and Festival in 2002 and earned him a Best earned him a Best Director Independent Director Independent Spirit Award Spirit Award nomination.nomination.

KEY TALENT

Liza ChasinLiza Chasin(Executive Producer) (Executive Producer) is president of US is president of US production at Working production at Working Title Films. Chasin Title Films. Chasin served as executive served as executive producer on Nanny producer on Nanny McPhee, Pride and McPhee, Pride and Prejudice, United 93, Prejudice, United 93, and Catch a Fire.and Catch a Fire.

Mauro Fiore ASCMauro Fiore ASC(Director of (Director of Photography) Photography) He guided the camera He guided the camera work on The Island. He work on The Island. He has also collaborated has also collaborated with director Antoine with director Antoine Fuqua on two feature Fuqua on two feature projects Training Day projects Training Day and Tears of the Sun.and Tears of the Sun.

Our Artists Are Our Liberators

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT Ray Liotta'Ray Liotta'(Agent Donald Carruthers)(Agent Donald Carruthers)

H e played Joey Perrini on the daytime H e played Joey Perrini on the daytime program Another World. He earned a program Another World. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his work in Golden Globe nomination for his work in Something Wild (1986)Something Wild (1986)

In 1990, Liotta portrayed real-life mobster In 1990, Liotta portrayed real-life mobster Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese's film Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese's film Goodfellas, one of his most famous roles Goodfellas, one of his most famous roles to date.to date.

In 2005, Liotta had a memorable guest In 2005, Liotta had a memorable guest appearance on the television drama ER appearance on the television drama ER playing Charlie Metcalf in the episode playing Charlie Metcalf in the episode Time of Death. The role earned him an Time of Death. The role earned him an Emmy for "Outstanding Guest Actor in a Emmy for "Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series."Drama Series."

He married actress Michelle Grace in He married actress Michelle Grace in February 1997. They met on the set of the February 1997. They met on the set of the television movie The Rat Pack, in which television movie The Rat Pack, in which Liotta played Frank SinatraLiotta played Frank Sinatra

Actors are Liberators in Masquerade

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT CommonCommon(Sir Ivy)(Sir Ivy)

In 2006, this Grammy Award-winning In 2006, this Grammy Award-winning artist made his big-screen debut as a artist made his big-screen debut as a musical performer in Dave Chappelle's musical performer in Dave Chappelle's Block Party.Block Party.

In 2007, he makes his acting debut in In 2007, he makes his acting debut in Smokin' Aces. Later in the year, Smokin' Aces. Later in the year, Common will co-star opposite Denzel Common will co-star opposite Denzel Washington in American Gangster, Washington in American Gangster, directed by Ridley Scott.directed by Ridley Scott.

Prior to acting, Common rose to Prior to acting, Common rose to prominence as one of hip-hop's most prominence as one of hip-hop's most poetic and respected lyricists, having poetic and respected lyricists, having recorded six albums including "Can I recorded six albums including "Can I Borrow a Dollar?," "Resurrection," "One Borrow a Dollar?," "Resurrection," "One Day It'll All Make Sense," "Like Water for Day It'll All Make Sense," "Like Water for Chocolate" and "Electric Circus."Chocolate" and "Electric Circus."

Actors help us: laugh, be happy, cry, get angry, and even think. Can there be any better gifts?

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT

Joe CarnahanJoe Carnahan (Writer and Director) (Writer and Director)

He began producing short films in He began producing short films in the mid-1990s before winning critical the mid-1990s before winning critical acclaim for his film Blood, Guts, acclaim for his film Blood, Guts, Bullets.Bullets.

He directed the 2002, Detroit set He directed the 2002, Detroit set thriller Narc. At one point he was thriller Narc. At one point he was solicited to direct Mission: solicited to direct Mission: Impossible III, produced by Tom Impossible III, produced by Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner (who also Cruise and Paula Wagner (who also executive produced Narc), however executive produced Narc), however he subsequently left the production he subsequently left the production due to conflicting views on the tone due to conflicting views on the tone of the film. of the film.

He also co-wrote the screenplay to He also co-wrote the screenplay to Pride And Glory.Pride And Glory.

Filmmakers are Revolutionaries

Posing as Entertainers

EXTENDED SYNOPSIS

(L to R) FBI Agent Richard Messner (RYAN (L to R) FBI Agent Richard Messner (RYAN REYNOLDS) and his partner, Agent Donald REYNOLDS) and his partner, Agent Donald Carruthers (RAY LIOTTA), hold surveillanceCarruthers (RAY LIOTTA), hold surveillance

FBI Deputy Director Stanley Locke (Andy Garcia) has just dispatched his FBI Deputy Director Stanley Locke (Andy Garcia) has just dispatched his top agent, Richard Messner (Ryan Reynolds), and Messner's veteran top agent, Richard Messner (Ryan Reynolds), and Messner's veteran partner, Donald Carruthers (Ray Liotta), to Buddy "Aces" Israel's (Jeremy partner, Donald Carruthers (Ray Liotta), to Buddy "Aces" Israel's (Jeremy Piven) not-so-secret hiding spot in Lake Tahoe. Their mission: protect the Piven) not-so-secret hiding spot in Lake Tahoe. Their mission: protect the sleazy Vegas magician from mob boss Primo Sparazza - said to have sleazy Vegas magician from mob boss Primo Sparazza - said to have performed over 130 contract murders - upon whom Aces has agreed to performed over 130 contract murders - upon whom Aces has agreed to turn state's evidence to save his own skin.turn state's evidence to save his own skin.

Stories are Transforming

EXTENDED SYNOPSIS

(L to R) Bounty hunters "Pistol" Pete Deeks (PETER (L to R) Bounty hunters "Pistol" Pete Deeks (PETER BERG), Jack Dupree (BEN AFFLECK) and Hollis BERG), Jack Dupree (BEN AFFLECK) and Hollis

Elmore (MARTIN HENDERSON) discuss their quarryElmore (MARTIN HENDERSON) discuss their quarry

As the mob learns of his betrayal, they put a million-dollar bounty on As the mob learns of his betrayal, they put a million-dollar bounty on Aces' head. They don't care who does him, just as long as he gets dead Aces' head. They don't care who does him, just as long as he gets dead quick. Now, a wild menagerie of mercenaries, mass murderers and quick. Now, a wild menagerie of mercenaries, mass murderers and gorgeous guns-for-hire descend on Tahoe to locate Aces and collect that gorgeous guns-for-hire descend on Tahoe to locate Aces and collect that money... no matter who gets in their way.money... no matter who gets in their way.

All Kids are Born ArtisticWhat is Natural is Essential

EXTENDED SYNOPSIS

(L to R) Assassin Sharice Watters (TARAJI (L to R) Assassin Sharice Watters (TARAJI HENSON) and her partner, Georgia Sykes HENSON) and her partner, Georgia Sykes

(ALICIA KEYS), discuss business(ALICIA KEYS), discuss business

Thugs from Sparazza's tight inner circle have bought their own insurance Thugs from Sparazza's tight inner circle have bought their own insurance policy in the form of ghetto-fab-glam assassins Georgia Sykes (Alicia Keys) policy in the form of ghetto-fab-glam assassins Georgia Sykes (Alicia Keys) and her partner, sniper Sharice Watters (Taraji Henson). A psychopathic trio and her partner, sniper Sharice Watters (Taraji Henson). A psychopathic trio neo-Nazi inbreeds known as the Tremor brothers sniff cash like bloodhounds neo-Nazi inbreeds known as the Tremor brothers sniff cash like bloodhounds and have made haste to Tahoe as well. and have made haste to Tahoe as well.

Stories Embody the Essence of Being Human

EXTENDED SYNOPSIS

(L to R) Assassins Lester Tremor (MAURY (L to R) Assassins Lester Tremor (MAURY STERLING), Jeeves Tremor (KEVIN DURAND) and STERLING), Jeeves Tremor (KEVIN DURAND) and Darwin Tremor (CHRIS PINE) smile for the cameraDarwin Tremor (CHRIS PINE) smile for the camera

Darwin (Chris Pine), Jeeves (Kevin Darwin (Chris Pine), Jeeves (Kevin Durand) and Lestor Tremor (Maury Durand) and Lestor Tremor (Maury Serling) have nothing resembling a Serling) have nothing resembling a conscience, and they use their conscience, and they use their limited brainpower to murder limited brainpower to murder anyone who stands in the way of a anyone who stands in the way of a big payday. Additionally, big payday. Additionally, international hit men - including international hit men - including ruthless torture specialist Pasquale ruthless torture specialist Pasquale Acosta (Nestor Carbonell) and Acosta (Nestor Carbonell) and master of disguise Lazlo Soot master of disguise Lazlo Soot (Tommy Flanagan) - are bringing (Tommy Flanagan) - are bringing their uniquely twisted blend of skills their uniquely twisted blend of skills to Tahoe.to Tahoe.

Cinematic Story Telling is a Profoundly Humanizing

endeavor.

EXTENDED SYNOPSIS

(L to R) Hollis Elmore (MARTIN (L to R) Hollis Elmore (MARTIN HENDERSON), Jack Dupree (BEN HENDERSON), Jack Dupree (BEN

AFFLECK), attorney Rupert "Rip" Reed AFFLECK), attorney Rupert "Rip" Reed (JASON BATEMAN) and "Pistol" Pete (JASON BATEMAN) and "Pistol" Pete

Deeks (PETER BERG)Deeks (PETER BERG)

To complicate matters, bottom-of-the-barrel Vegas bail bondsman Jack To complicate matters, bottom-of-the-barrel Vegas bail bondsman Jack Dupree (Ben Affleck) accepts a $50,000 retainer from attorney Rupert Dupree (Ben Affleck) accepts a $50,000 retainer from attorney Rupert "Rip" Reed (Jason Bateman) to find the bail-jumping Aces before he gets "Rip" Reed (Jason Bateman) to find the bail-jumping Aces before he gets handed over to the FBI... and the quarry is gone for good. Dupree recruits handed over to the FBI... and the quarry is gone for good. Dupree recruits disillusioned ex-vice cop "Pistol" Pete Deeks (Peter Berg) and his former disillusioned ex-vice cop "Pistol" Pete Deeks (Peter Berg) and his former partner, Hollis Elmore (Martin Henderson), to help wrangle Aces. The partner, Hollis Elmore (Martin Henderson), to help wrangle Aces. The good news is they're only a short, three-hour drive from Tahoe.good news is they're only a short, three-hour drive from Tahoe.

Film making is a Community Event.

LIFE CONNECTIONS: on murder and mayhemmurder and mayhem

Seeing a murder on television... can help work off one's antagonisms. And if you haven't any antagonisms, the commercials will give you some. Alfred Hitchcock (1899 - 1980)

On Smokin’ Aces: On Smokin’ Aces: "I've always wanted to make a film like this," states "I've always wanted to make a film like this," states Eric Fellner, producer Eric Fellner, producer and co-chairman of Working Title Films. "One and co-chairman of Working Title Films. "One that has murder and mayhem... for want of better words."that has murder and mayhem... for want of better words."

Kill one man, and you are a murderer. Kill millions of men, and you are a conqueror. Kill them all, and you are a god. Jean Rostand (1894 - 1977)

In films murders are always very clean. I show how difficult it is and what a messy thing it is to kill a man. Alfred Hitchcock (1899 - 1980)

It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets. Voltaire (1694 - 1778)

Art is a Liberating Force

As created beings we bear the hallmark of the creative character of god.As created beings we bear the hallmark of the creative character of god.To neglect ‘hearing’ the creative artistic voice is deafness to god.To neglect ‘hearing’ the creative artistic voice is deafness to god.

CRITICAL OPINION

It's all a mad, mad, mad, It's all a mad, mad, mad, mad whirl of bullets, mad whirl of bullets, bloodshed, the bloodshed, the occasional breast and occasional breast and agonizingly lame jokes agonizingly lame jokes aimed at males who don't aimed at males who don't get out much. get out much. --Eleanor Ringel Gillespie--Eleanor Ringel GillespieAtlanta Journal-Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionConstitution

The Free Speech Discussion of the Arts is a

Mark of a Free Society

You can't take it seriously, but the movie is as lively as it is debased. --Owen GleibermanEntertainment Weekly

One question hovers over the carnage, though: Whom the hell are we supposed to root for? The closest the movie comes to sympathetic assassins are its hit ladies, yet the payoff to their subplot is the weakest of the bunch.-- Kirk HoneycuttHollywood Reporter

CRITICS ARE 30% POSITIVE

FILM REVIEWSMOKIN’ ACES

FROM VISUAL HOLLYWOOD

This is one of those films that This is one of those films that enables the viewer to vent some of enables the viewer to vent some of the darker passions we all share as the darker passions we all share as fellow humans. Stories of murder fellow humans. Stories of murder and mayhem has always been a and mayhem has always been a part of all human culture from the part of all human culture from the Sumerians, to Hebrew Bible writers, Sumerians, to Hebrew Bible writers, to Shakespeare, to Alfred to Shakespeare, to Alfred Hitchcock. Because this theme has Hitchcock. Because this theme has always existed – it must be always existed – it must be important in fulfilling certain inner important in fulfilling certain inner psychological need.psychological need.

What modern novelists and What modern novelists and cinematic story tellers have been cinematic story tellers have been able to do is add a touches of able to do is add a touches of humor into murder and mayhem. humor into murder and mayhem. This group has done well. Enjoy!This group has done well. Enjoy!--David Bruce--David Bruce

Art is the Language of Liberation

FINDING TRUTH IN SMOKIN’ GUNS

"What do you see right now? You "What do you see right now? You see exactly, and only, what I choose see exactly, and only, what I choose to show you. That's illusion, Ivy. to show you. That's illusion, Ivy. That's the lie I tell your eyes." That's the lie I tell your eyes." - Buddy "Aces" Israel - Buddy "Aces" Israel

Society is only as free as its arts. Art is the voice of human freedom.

Illusion Illusion is the first of all pleasures. is the first of all pleasures. Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900) Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)

Illusion is the first of all pleasures. Illusion is the first of all pleasures. Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)Reality is merely an Reality is merely an illusion, illusion, albeit a albeit a very persistent one. very persistent one. Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955), Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955),

Don't part with your Don't part with your illusions. illusions. When When they are gone you may still exist, but they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live. you have ceased to live. Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

The amazing value of illusion

Men decide far more problems by hate, love, lust, rage, sorrow, joy, hope, fear, illusion, or some other inward emotion, than by reality, authority, any legal standard, judicial precedent, or statute.--Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC)

TRIVIA AND NEWS

Smokin' Aces is an action film written and directed Smokin' Aces is an action film written and directed by Joe Carnahan set in Lake Tahoe and primarily by Joe Carnahan set in Lake Tahoe and primarily shot at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa (though shot at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa (though renamed the "Nomad Casino"). renamed the "Nomad Casino").

It marks Carnahan's sophmore feature, following It marks Carnahan's sophmore feature, following Narc. It stars Ryan Reynolds and Jeremy Piven as Narc. It stars Ryan Reynolds and Jeremy Piven as the leads, with Piven (Entourage) as a Las Vegas the leads, with Piven (Entourage) as a Las Vegas magician turned Mafia informant and Reynolds as magician turned Mafia informant and Reynolds as the FBI agent assigned to protect him. It is the the FBI agent assigned to protect him. It is the feature film debut of Alicia Keys and hip hop artist feature film debut of Alicia Keys and hip hop artist Common.Common.

ReceptionReceptionThe film received a mixed reaction. Many critics The film received a mixed reaction. Many critics compared it to the works of Quentin Tarantino, compared it to the works of Quentin Tarantino, with some providing flattering (and unflattering) with some providing flattering (and unflattering) comparisons to Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. Some comparisons to Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. Some praised it for its humor and wit, as well as its praised it for its humor and wit, as well as its highly-stylized cinematography. It profited $14.3 highly-stylized cinematography. It profited $14.3 million in its first week.million in its first week.

Movie Making is the Convergence of Many Talents and Art Forms

WHY MOVIES ARE SO IMPORTANT

"The meaning of life is the most urgent of "The meaning of life is the most urgent of questions" questions" --Albert Camus (Existentialist thinker--Albert Camus (Existentialist thinker)..

In In “Movies and the Meaning of Life”“Movies and the Meaning of Life” author Kimberly author Kimberly Blessing points out that movies can help us reflect Blessing points out that movies can help us reflect on five of life’s most important questions:on five of life’s most important questions:

1) What is reality and how can I know it? 1) What is reality and how can I know it? 2) How can I find my true identity? 2) How can I find my true identity? 3) What the significance of my interactions with 3) What the significance of my interactions with others? others? 4) What’s the point of my life? 4) What’s the point of my life? 5) How ought I to live my life? 5) How ought I to live my life?

The idea behind The idea behind Visual HollywoodVisual Hollywood is that Movies can is that Movies can and must play an essential role helping us explore and must play an essential role helping us explore the meaning of our existence and our life together. the meaning of our existence and our life together. No other quest is more necessary or important. No other quest is more necessary or important. Movies are powerful. Movies bring personal Movies are powerful. Movies bring personal meaning, and can contribute to a peaceful world. meaning, and can contribute to a peaceful world. Cinematic story telling can be a transforming event.Cinematic story telling can be a transforming event.

Visual Hollywood takes an existential approach to life. We celebrate with human freedom. We use movies and the arts as a means of understanding the human condition and our collective relation to the world around us.

Our basic quest is:

1. To know what it means to be human in the world.

2. The pursuit of human freedom.

To Restrict Creativity is to Restrict the very

Nature of the Creator

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