Smokin' Aces (2007)

What's it about

Buddy 'Aces' Israel, a part of the mob, wannabe gangster and a showman, decides to turn police informant and give vital information about Primo Sparazza and the rest of the La Costra Nasa gang. Word spreads around about this and a whole lot of hit men are out to kill Buddy and get his heart for Primo. The FBI is also hot on heels to keep Buddy safe in protective custody at a hotel in Lake Tahoe.

Slowly things start turning out really violent at the hotel and there is a whole lot of bloodshed. One of the FBI agents Carruthers is also killed. Things go according to the FBI Deputy Director Locke’s plan and all the hit men who are out to get Buddy are left humbled.

Finally it becomes clear to Carruther’s dejected partner Agent Messner that it is all a part of the FBI’s plan to get Agent Heller one of their old time agents, who actually is Primo Sparazza. He had gone undercover many many years back and Buddy is actually his son. They need Buddy’s heart due to the blood compatibility, for a transplant to save Sparazza aka Heller. The FBI would get all the information about the mob that they need from Sparazza himself, after this operation

The FBI had used many ppl including their 2 agents as mere pawns in this operation. Messner is totally blown out hearing this huge setup by the FBI, from Locke and he pulls out the life support of both Buddy and Sparazza in one go, in the end. He feels that this FBI created monster Sparazza is a man who has killed so many FBI agents and that he doesn't deserve to live, along with the other wannabe Buddy Israel. 

                 

Hits

• The screenplay is chaotic and very fast. Lots of characters and complexities. Full attention needed. 
• Very stylish making by Joe Carnahan. 
• Good BG score by Clint Mansell
• The characterization of Buddy Israel is very impressive. Always hyperactive and lively with a pack of cards in hand. Jeremy Piven rocks. 
• Ryan Reynolds as the rugged FBI agent is apt too. All the other characters in this huge cast also play their parts well. 
• The final twist in the tale about the identity and mystery surrounding Sparazza is quite shocking and makes us sit up. 

Misses

• The final scene at the hospital room where Messner pulls the plug, is quite cinematic. 
• Ben Affleck's role proceeds so stylishly until he is killed off suddenly. A big dampener that was. 

VERDICT

A chaotic ride that is engaging and the final twist in the tale is sharp too. Worth watching.                                                                        

Good Will Hunting (1997)

What's it about:
Will Hunting is a 20 yr old genius who works as a janitor at MIT. He wastes his time with his bunch of friends Chuck, Morgan and Billy. He is a very gifted mathematician and he solves the problems that are meant for the students. Even tough problems are child's play for Will. He is a voracious reader too. But he has some problems in that he is very defensive and that he shies away from newer opportunities and relationships.
             He once roughs up a policeman in a local tussle and is sent to jail for good. Professor Gerry Lambeau bails him out on the condition that he works on Maths with him and also that he sees a shrink twice a week. Many psychiatrists try and fail miserably. Finally Gerry's former room mate Sean Maguire takes Will's case and starts working his magic slowly and steadily.
       Sean identifies with Will's case because he is also from a similar background. He slowly helps Will realize his true potential. Gerry is very ambitious for Will and sets up some high profile job interviews for him but Sean believes that Will needs to do what he feels like doing. Gerry and Sean have their differences of opinion on Will
       Will also goes through a troubled relationship with Skylar, that starts off on a lovely note. Finally, Will finds his true calling and sets out in search of Skyalr to California. He puts all the high profile job offers on hold. His friends also are happy that he is away from them because they very well know that Will is destined for greatness and not the shitty neighborhood life.

                                                                      
Hits

• A great, honest performance from Matt Damon. Those extreme and tight close ups say a lot about the man's acting caliber
• Terrific underplay from Robin Williams as Sean. Masterclass indeed. 
• Good earnest portrayal from Stellan Skarsgard too as Gerry, the ambitious mathematician par excellence. 
• Beautiful portrayal of relationships all through. Be it the informal bonding between the 4 buddies or the natural love chemistry between Will and Skylar or the lovely 'father-son' like bonding between Will and Sean. "A" CLASS STUFF
• The Affleck brothers score with their friendly scuffles and bonding. 

VERDICT

A great film on a troubled young man's journey towards attaining his life's true purpose. Great portrayal of relationships too.