Smokin' Aces 2: Assassin's Ball (DVD)

If you agreed with the critics when it came to the first Smokin’ Aces movie, it’s doubtful you’ll be holding out much hope for this second outing. Not that anyone could really blame you; a straight to DVD follow up, in this case a prequel, usually means we’re dealing with a half hearted cash in.

In Smoking’ Aces 2: Assassin’s Balls, we’re dealt a simple enough premise. An aging FBI Agent (Berenger) becomes the target of a multi-million dollar bounty and soon a host of colourful assassins are scrambling to draw first blood and claim that meaty three million. 

Director P.J. Pesce has a lot to answer for, and it’s no surprise he has a pedigree in straight to DVD stinkers. The numerous action sequences are only just about held together by some good sight gags, but his shot choices and editing skills leave a lot to be desired. There’s tilted camera angles that are simply there for the sake of it, jump cuts that only serve to shorten empty scenes and split-screens that often only gives us dual perspectives on the most inane interactions. The original’s trademark style has been lifted and thrown around thoughtlessly.

The story itself is a simple one. The players are all aligned quickly enough and the action is pretty consistent. We get a reasonable enough idea about the types we’re dealing with, but the writing stalls when it pushes for deeper characterisation. The FBI scenes are particularly awful, either going off point with dodgy dialogue or just leaving us cold. None of these characters are particularly likeable and the more they talk, the more their appeal wanes.

This is a film that’s at its best when it’s at its silliest. There’s humour running through it and some of the dialogue is actually pretty sharp. Occasionally though, something too serious is forced in where it doesn’t really fit. A romantic strand needn’t be a bad thing, for example, but with Vinnie Jones as the male half, you’re hardly dealing with a heart rending love story. Likewise, the odd sulk over a fallen comrade seems reasonable enough, but in a blood spattered romp like this where extreme violence is often played for laughs, such weepy moments feel misplaced.

The film has its moments. It’s brainless stuff, and usually entertaining enough to hold your attention. Tommy Flanagan also hits a high note as the ruthless Lazlo, resuming his role from the original film. The redneck Tremor family (led by Michael Parks) are also enjoyable distractions, with Autumn Reeser particularly memorable as the wild and wicked Kaitlyn. The soundtrack is surprisingly good, with some choice tracks cropping up throughout the course of the film. It’s just a shame more thought couldn’t have been paid to the film in general. 

Overall Verdict: A straightforward enough action romp that just about satisfies, but it’s no great shock this follow up went straight to DVD. You might find something to enjoy here, but don’t enter in with great expectations.  

Special Features:
Feature Length Commentary

Reviewer: David Steele