Smokin' Aces

Smokin' Aces

Year: 2007

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Joe Carnahan

Budget: $17M

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

A small-time con artist finds himself in FBI protection after agreeing to testify against a ruthless Vegas mob boss. Suddenly, he's thrust into a dangerous situation as bounty hunters, gangsters, and double-crossing figures descend on Lake Tahoe. The stakes escalate quickly in a chaotic and action-packed scenario where everyone is after him, creating a hilarious and unpredictable free-for-all.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Smokin' Aces (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Smokin' Aces (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the movie are set in a contemporary timeframe reflecting elements of modern crime and law enforcement. The plot reveals the chaotic and desperate situations in which both lawmen and criminals operate in today's society.

Location

Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe

Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife, casinos, and entertainment, often referred to as the 'Entertainment Capital of the World.' Nearby, Lake Tahoe offers stunning natural beauty with its mountains and clear blue waters, serving as a contrast to the bustling casinos of Las Vegas.

🏞️ Scenic 🎰 Gambling

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:35

Main Characters – Smokin' Aces (2007)

Meet the key characters of Smokin' Aces (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Buddy 'Aces' Israel

Israel is a magician turned gangster who finds himself in a deadly predicament after attracting a bounty on his life. He is portrayed as charismatic yet naive, which puts him in perilous situations as various forces converge around him. Ultimately, his choices lead to a heart-wrenching conclusion.

🃏 Magician 💰 Bounty

Richard Messner

Messner is a dedicated FBI agent torn between his duty and moral ethics, showcasing significant character development throughout the film. His determination to protect Israel highlights his conflicted nature. Ultimately, his internal struggles lead to drastic measures that challenge his agency's motives.

👮‍♂️ FBI Agent ⚖️ Morality

Stanley Locke

Locke is the FBI Deputy Director whose harsh decisions propel the storyline into dangerous territory. His pragmatic yet ruthless approach reveals the darker side of law enforcement's willingness to sacrifice individuals for the greater good. He embodies the theme of betrayal within the agency.

🚔 Authority 🔍 Investigation

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:35

Major Themes – Smokin' Aces (2007)

Explore the central themes of Smokin' Aces (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a recurring theme as characters struggle with loyalty and deception. The actions of the FBI and the mob lead to a complex web of treachery that ultimately drives the narrative forward. Characters must navigate their allegiances while facing moral dilemmas that challenge their intentions.

🔫 Violence

Violence is a central element in the movie, with lethal confrontations occurring between assassins and law enforcement. These violent encounters fuel the tension and highlight the stakes involved in the life-or-death chase for Buddy 'Aces' Israel. The depiction of brutality serves as a commentary on the lengths individuals will go to for power and survival.

🏥 Desperation

Desperation permeates the narrative, as characters are pushed to their limits by circumstances beyond their control. From the FBI agents to the bounty hunters, every character faces critical decisions driven by urgency and fear. The lengths they go to for survival reveal the darker sides of human nature.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:35

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Chaotic Ensemble Crime Thrillers Like Smokin' Aces

Stories where multiple factions collide in a high-stakes, violent free-for-all.Discover movies like Smokin' Aces where a single objective unleashes pandemonium. If you enjoyed the high-octane chaos of competing bounty hunters and double-crossing figures, you'll find similar fast-paced, action-packed stories with complex interweaving plots and a large, morally grey cast.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a MacGuffin—a person, item, or piece of information—that becomes the focus for a diverse and eccentric ensemble of characters. The plot unfolds through their converging paths, leading to unexpected alliances, betrayals, and a climactic, often violent, confrontation. The structure emphasizes the randomness and brutality of the criminal world.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are connected by their shared high-intensity, fast-paced execution and a narrative structure built around a converging ensemble. They create a specific vibe of unpredictable, chaotic suspense, where the viewer is immersed in a world where no one is safe and the situation can spiral out of control at any moment.

Movies with Bleak Revelations Like Smokin' Aces

Stories where a cynical twist exposes a deeply corrupt and hopeless world.Find films similar to Smokin' Aces that deliver a powerful, cynical plot twist exposing a corrupt system. If you appreciated the heavy emotional weight and the morally ambiguous, bittersweet ending where justice is achieved through a tragic act, you'll be drawn to these complex and thought-provoking thrillers.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist navigating a dangerous situation, only to discover that the forces they trusted are part of the problem. The central conflict shifts from an external threat to an internal one against a corrupt system. The climax often involves a desperate, morally ambiguous act of defiance that provides a hollow form of justice but leaves the characters emotionally scarred.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared dark tone, complex plotting, and emotionally heavy conclusions. The core similarity is the experience of a narrative rug-pull that reveals a deeper moral rot, resulting in an ending that is satisfying in its defiance but tragic in its execution, leaving a lasting impact.

Unlock the Full Story of Smokin' Aces

Don't stop at just watching — explore Smokin' Aces in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Smokin' Aces is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Smokin' Aces Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Smokin' Aces, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Smokin' Aces Summary

Smokin' Aces Timeline

Track the full timeline of Smokin' Aces with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Smokin' Aces Timeline

Smokin' Aces Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Smokin' Aces that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Smokin' Aces Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Smokin' Aces

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Smokin' Aces: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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