Dean Winkelspecht reviews a pair of Blu-ray SMOKIN' ACES (original film & new prequel)

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SMOKIN' ACES
—> Blu-ray Review by Dean Winkelspecht »

SMOKIN' ACES 2: ASSASSINS' BALL
—> Blu-ray Review by Dean Winkelspecht »
EXCERPT: The film itself fits into the "Smokin' Aces" framework and has the same 'cool' feel and over-the-top characters of the first movie, but the first film was far more serious in tone than this entry. It's hard to go against exploding clowns and they are in abundance in "Smokin' Aces 2: Assassin's Ball," but whether or not this is a sequel or prequel doesn't change the fact it is an inferior product to the original.

"Assassin's Ball" was stylized in a manner that was more fitting of "Sin City" than the first picture. It's a new direction and it was interesting, but it was a noticeable departure from the film that made this direct-to-video sequel even possible. If you loved the first film and perhaps Vinny Jones, this one is a no-brainer, but for others it is probably best left a rental.

(Click thru the Links above for the full reviews)

SMOKIN' ACES 2: Assassins' Ball — own the Unrated and Rated versions of the movie exclusively on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Dowload
(now available — released January 19)

Universal City, CA — Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball, the all-new movie about the adrenaline-pumping world of blood, bullets and badasses, has blasted its way onto Blu-ray Hi-Def ($36.98 SRP), DVD ($29.98) and digital download (Jan 19). Also available On Demand.

Executive produced by Joe Carnahan (Narc), the writer-director behind the shockingly edgy hit Smokin' Aces, and directed by P.J. Pesce (Lost Boys: The Tribe), Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball features a sexy cast, whip-smart script and hyper-kinetic visuals. The film centers on an FBI desk jockey who is targeted for murder by various hired assassins.

And, with the return of infamous assassins Lazlo Soot and the Tremor Brothers from the original theatrical film, audiences will experience a furious frenzy of explosive action that will keep them guessing until the very last scene. Both the Blu-ray™ and DVD editions include the rated and unrated versions of the movie and an arsenal of explosive bonus features.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment presents a Working Title Production of Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball, starring Tom Berenger (Training Day, Platoon), Clayne Crawford (Brooklyn to Manhattan), Martha Higareda (Street Kings), Ernie Hudson (TV's "Heroes"), Michael Parks (Grindhouse), Autumn Reeser ("Entourage") and Vinnie Jones (X-Men: The Last Stand, Lock, Stock and Two Smokin' Barrels), as well as returning stars from the original theatrical release: Tommy Flanagan (Sin City), Maury Sterling (Smokin' Aces) and Christopher Michael Holley (Smokin' Aces).

The latest in Universal's DVD Originals™ series, Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball lives up to its predecessor with an all-star group of assassins, vicious sociopaths and other murderous freelancers who battle to bring down a single, high-priced target. The Universal DVD Originals line of high-quality, aggressively marketed features has included some of the most successful, live-action, non-family made-for-DVD titles of all time including Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior, Bring It On: All or Nothing, American Pie Presents Band Camp, American Pie Presents The Naked Mile and Bring It On Again.

BONUS FEATURES Exclusive to Blu-ray:
• BD-LIVE – Fans can access exclusive online and interactive features through their Internet-connected Blu-ray player, including:
• MY SCENES SHARING – Show your BD-Live friends your favorite scenes from the film.

BONUS FEATURES include: (Blu-ray & DVD)
• Deleted Scenes
• Gag Reel
• Feature Commentary with executive producer Joe Carnahan and director P.J. Pesce
• Behind the Scenes with Joe Carnahan: executive producer Joe Carnahan, producer Mike Elliott, writers Olatunde Osunsanmi and Olumide Odebunmi and director P.J. Pesce talk about the process of jumping back into the world of Smokin' Aces
• CONFESSIONS OF AN ASSASSIN: director P.J. Pesce and the stars of the movie take us through production, from the ground, amidst the mayhem, blood, guts, bullets and all
• READY, AIM, FIRE: the weapons of Smokin' aces 2: Meet the armorer who equipped the gang with the over 20 guns in the film
• CUE THE CLOWN: A behind the scenes look at what it took to produce one of the most explosive stunts in the movie
• THE BUNKER MENTALITY: designing the set: Production designer Chris August, along with director P.J. Pesce and executive producer Joe Carnahan discuss the Art Deco look and feel of the sets as well as the little details that gave them the freedom them to shoot quickly and in every direction

SMOKIN' ACES 2: Assassins' Ball - Explore:
—> Visit the film's Official Site »
(from CRAVE online & Universal Pictures)

Rating: R for bloody violence and language

Film Synopsis:
The director of Smokin' Aces and Narc brings you back into the adrenaline-pumping world of blood, bullets and badasses. Packed with insane mercenaries, sexy assassins, and more of the fan-favorite Tremor family, this all-new explosive film tells the story of a low-level FBI agent with a high-price on his head! May the best hit man survive!

Walter Weed is an unassuming desk jockey at the FBI when the Bureau uncovers a plot to assassinate him. A team of degenerate, psychotic assassins dispatched by mystery man Hal Leuco to win a huge bounty includes a resourceful beauty who has a unique method of killing her prey, a power-tool wielding psychopath (Vinnie Jones) and a deadly master of disguise . Also in the hunt is the fan-favorite Tremor family from the original film, featuring nymphomaniacal gun-nut and her lethal kinfolk.