I love Hollywood early on in the year... it could be that movie producers and directors resume taking their anti-depressants; but whatever it is, the movies at the beginning of the year are refreshing after a slew of based-on-a-sad-but-true-story, inspirational and mellow-dramatic films they push on us (and the nominating committee) just before Oscar time.

'Smokin' Aces' is a film I would expect to surface from Quentin Tarantino's basement (and I really do mean that in the best possible way, I'm a fan). The cast was made up of three components -- the cool guys, the bad guys, and the cops. I use the term 'guys' loosely, because the femme fatale duo that 'Aces' director Joe Carnahan pulled together (let alone the rest of the star-studded cast) was definitely praiseworthy.

This paired with the occasional blood bath and unusual torture tactics makes me believe that Carnahan is a die-hard Terantino fan too.

I knew exactly what to expect from Taraji Henson ('Baby Boy,' 'Hustle & Flow'), but in her blockbuster debut, Alicia Keys surprised me with her real ability to act. I'm used to hearing Ms. Keys lull about secret loves with sad endings, but this seductive R&B crooner transformed into a contract killer -- Georgia Sykes -- masquerading as a prostitute in pursuit of a million dollar payday for taking out Buddy "Aces" Israel (played by Jeremy Piven). Keys and Henson charge in, guns blazing, with artillery that's more fit for a scene in 'Blood Diamonds' than the backdrop of Lake Tahoe, but hey -- that's how Terantino would have done it too!

Even Common flipped his usual script from conscious hip-hop thug to loyal (but cutthroat) right-hand man to Buddy Israel. I actually wouldn't mind seeing both Common and Keys on screen a little more; they are certainly two in a small handful of entertainers who could effortlessly make that music-to-movie crossover without making it painfully obvious.

BV's Miki Turner sat down with the cast to talk about the making of 'Smokin' Aces,' Alicia's true acting debut on the 'Cosby Show,' and Common's guilty pleasure in playing a 'dark' role. In the interview, Keys urges that her acting career started long before her singing debut, and says that 'Aces' brought her the "right moment" to do something "ballsy" on film.

Watch the full interview and trailer here.

If you can stomach the absurd amount of bloodshed and destruction (come on, the media has desensitized you by now hasn't it?), get to the theaters to check out 'Smokin' Aces' this week. And here's my final plea to you folks who have the nerve to bring your kids to 'R' rated flicks... leave the little ones at home!!! The movies are rated 'R' for a reason: toddlers can't differentiate between food coloring and blood. Ok???

Posted by celiaherrera12