Smokin’ Aces (1st view) – After the excellent Narc, Joe Carnahan’s third feature is a whirligig of gunplay, violence and frenzied camerawork. It reminded me in many ways of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels but not near as much fun, and with a story that seems to be deliberately overcomplicated, plenty of style but little substance. Still, go along for the ride and don’t expect miracles, there’s quite a bit to enjoy here with some decent trust from the reliable Andy Garcia, Jeremy Piven and Ray Liotta – 3/5
Ride Lonesome (1st view) – 1959 western that sees lawman Randolph Scott transporting a murderer to the town of Santa Cruz, all the while followed by the killer’s brother, Lee Van Cleef. Cleef is by far the best actor on show here, yet he appears for just a few minutes near the film’s end, it’s shame as the film could have benefited from him being used more. James Coburn also makes an impression in his first film role. Enjoyable enough though, and at just under 90 minutes it never bores – 3/5
