Agents Richard Messner (Ryan Reynolds) and Donald Carruthers (Ray Liotta) are tasked with keeping Israel alive long enough for him to testify, unaware of the deeper conspiracies within their own agency. A Deep Dive into the Themes
This is a recurring motif, literalized by the character Lazlo Soot (Tommy Flanagan), an assassin who uses realistic masks to impersonate others. Agents Richard Messner (Ryan Reynolds) and Donald Carruthers
Director Joe Carnahan utilizes a "style-over-substance" approach: The FBI's true goal was not just to
The film's climax reveals that Primo Sparazza is actually Freeman Heller, a former FBI agent thought to have been killed years ago. The FBI's true goal was not just to protect a witness, but to harvest Israel's heart—as his illegitimate son—for a transplant to save the dying Heller. Furious at this betrayal, Agent Messner eventually pulls the plug on both men, resigning in a final act of disillusioned justice. The story centers on Buddy "Aces" Israel (Jeremy
Ryan Reynolds delivers a notably serious performance amidst the surrounding absurdity, while Alicia Keys and Common made their acting debuts in this film.
The story centers on Buddy "Aces" Israel (Jeremy Piven), a sleazy Las Vegas magician and wannabe mobster who has agreed to turn state’s evidence against Mafia boss Primo Sparazza.