Nearly every character is motivated by greed or self-preservation. Loyalty is shown to be fleeting, as even the FBI is willing to sacrifice their own values for a specific operational goal.
Watch the official trailer to see the film's frenetic action and ensemble cast in motion: Smokin Aces (2006) Official Trailer | Screen Bites Screen Bites YouTube• Nov 28, 2013 The "Heart" Twist (Spoiler Alert)
Agents Richard Messner (Ryan Reynolds) and Donald Carruthers (Ray Liotta) are tasked with keeping Israel alive long enough for him to testify, unaware of the deeper conspiracies within their own agency. A Deep Dive into the Themes
The film's climax reveals that Primo Sparazza is actually Freeman Heller, a former FBI agent thought to have been killed years ago. The FBI's true goal was not just to protect a witness, but to harvest Israel's heart—as his illegitimate son—for a transplant to save the dying Heller. Furious at this betrayal, Agent Messner eventually pulls the plug on both men, resigning in a final act of disillusioned justice.
The story centers on Buddy "Aces" Israel (Jeremy Piven), a sleazy Las Vegas magician and wannabe mobster who has agreed to turn state’s evidence against Mafia boss Primo Sparazza.
This is a recurring motif, literalized by the character Lazlo Soot (Tommy Flanagan), an assassin who uses realistic masks to impersonate others.
Ryan Reynolds delivers a notably serious performance amidst the surrounding absurdity, while Alicia Keys and Common made their acting debuts in this film.
Director Joe Carnahan utilizes a "style-over-substance" approach:
