Smokin’ Aces (2006)

This is worth seeing just to watch Jeremy Piven do his thing. As for the film, I get what they were trying to do. A hit is out on some guy, and every crackpot assassin comes around to pay a visit. Nothing new here plot-wise. Still, it's a decent flick. Lots of big names and familiar faces along the way.

Rating: C

Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins' Ball (2010)

Yeah, so don't sweat not seeing the previous one. The "sequel" or "prequel?" has no connection to it whatsoever, except for maybe both containing assassins. Whereas the first had some big name actors, Assassins Ball has mostly no-names. The violence was ramped up pretty high. Mostly unrewarding though. Villains are given a very thin layer of development. This will only appeal to the most desperate action junkies.

Rating: D+