Let me reassure you, “Smokin’ Aces” is NOT the coolest movie of the year. The intriguing plot and the top-notch action promised by the trailer are nowhere traceable in the final cut, and all the movie has left for its audience is a semi-satisfying dose of loud, brainless and bloody violence.  

As “Aces” opens, Mob boss Primo Sparazza (Joseph Ruskin) is planning the cold-blooded assassination of Buddy ‘Aces’ Israel (Jeremy Piven), a popular magician who has agreed to assist the FBI in bringing down the Las Vegas mafia.

To make things a little more interesting, Sparazza hires seven ruthless hitmen and offers them $1 million in exchange for Buddy’s heart. The list of competing killers includes three psychotic neo-nazis, a bail bondsman (Ben Affleck), two deadly lesbians (singer Alicia Keys and Taraji Henson) and a sadistic contract killer known as the Swede.

Among those protecting Aces from being smoked, we find FBI agents Donald Carruthers (Ray Liotta) and Richard Messner (Ryan Reynolds); and singer Common, who steps into the role of Buddy’s annoying bodyguard, Sir Ivy.

With Israel being locked up in a penthouse at Lake Tahoe, and time running out, the ultimate hunt for the magician is on.

A hunt that is more of a torture than a thrilling ride.

“Smokin’ Aces” faces the big dilemma of becoming the victim of its own plot. Spectators flock to this movie expecting a compelling storyline filled with smart twists, but all they get in return for the ticket price, is a confusing and pointless action spectacle.

Sadly enough, the actual action in “Aces” only lasts for about 50 minutes. Before all hell breaks loose during a massive shoot-out at Buddy’s hotel, the audience must first sit through an hour of nonsensical dialogues aimed to elaborate on Buddy’s involvement with the mob and the reason why the FBI is so interested in keeping him alive.

Eventually it all comes down to a minor, fairly absurd twist that could have easily been avoided, both for the sake of the movie and the spectator.

Thus, all “Smokin’ Aces” has going for it is a visually impressive and considerably entertaining showdown toward the end; a big battle between the cops and the assassins that features big bullets, tears, blood and even a few laughs. Robert Frazen’s editing and Joe Carnahan’s directing add the necessary flavor to make it all look more attractive on the screen.

With “Smokin’ Aces,” Carnahan (whose previous film was “Narc”) has crafted a mediocre show that features excessive violence and comes close to a cheap Tarantino rip-off.

What initially looked like tons of fun is now an unnecessary blockbuster that wastes some great acting talent, gets tangled up in a weak plot, and only features a handful of good-looking scenes that keep the entertainment level above satisfying. “Aces” clearly missed its target.   

Grade: C