2008 Woodie Awards
Movie Review: "21" flawed but decent
Ryan Rosback
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: A & E
"Winner, winner, chicken dinner!" Legend says that years ago every casino in Las Vegas sold a three-piece chicken dinner for a measly $1.79; and with a standard blackjack bet being only two bucks, a winning bet was enough to purchase the cheap meal, hence the phrase. However, in the case of Robert Luketic's gambling thriller "21," the prize is more like a cold chicken sub than a hearty meal. Although "21" certainly isn't a bust, several faults keep it from cleaning house.
Gratuitous metaphors aside, this review should not be misconstrued to make "21" sound like a terrible film; it's not. It's somewhat clever and fun to watch. But that's about it. In terms of film production, "21" follows the traditional Hollywood formula to the "T," turning an original and intriguing storyline into something that leaves viewers wanting much more.
"21" follows the true story inspired by the book "Bringing Down the House," where a group of M.I.T. brainiacs form a card-counting blackjack squad and then fly to Vegas each weekend to fleece the casinos for millions. Jim Sturgess follows up his breakout performance in "Across the Universe" by playing Ben Campbell, med-school prodigy who has all the means go to Harvard and become the next great doctor… except the cash. 300 grand to be exact. All seems lost until Professor Rosa (Kevin Spacey) recognizes his genius and asks him to fill the recently vacated spot on the team. From there, (insert any other team-flick plot here) as Ben runs through the usual motions before finally joining the gang. Guy has talent, guy gets recruited, guy says no, cute girl (Kate Bosworth) pleads to guy, guy gives in and joins.
Just a note to anyone thinking of seeing this film intending to learn how to count cards: you will be disappointed. Beyond the basics (hand signals, the count, etc.) much of the process is oversimplified, lightly covered or skipped altogether. In fact, most of the card play is shown via montage. The actual procedure, which is fairly complex, is grossly underrepresented and made to appear feasible to anyone with a "can-do" attitude.
Back to the story: Once in Vegas, it doesn't take long for Ben to adjust to the new high-class lifestyle, becoming "whoever he wants to be." Trading dorm rooms for penthouse suites and local pubs for rooftop raves, he quickly grows to be the most valuable player on the team, all the while staying one step ahead of old-school rock 'em sock 'em security contractor Cole Williams (Laurence Fishburne.) Insert another montage or two and we begin to see all of Ben's dreams come true. Money, success and popularity all come to him as if he really were the filthy rich heir he pretends to be. Only one thing's missing: the gal. Nothing a little montage won't fix! And presto, the world is his to lose. But that's not something that would happen in a movie, would it?
While "21" may not be one of the best executed film in years, seeing some college
Gratuitous metaphors aside, this review should not be misconstrued to make "21" sound like a terrible film; it's not. It's somewhat clever and fun to watch. But that's about it. In terms of film production, "21" follows the traditional Hollywood formula to the "T," turning an original and intriguing storyline into something that leaves viewers wanting much more.
"21" follows the true story inspired by the book "Bringing Down the House," where a group of M.I.T. brainiacs form a card-counting blackjack squad and then fly to Vegas each weekend to fleece the casinos for millions. Jim Sturgess follows up his breakout performance in "Across the Universe" by playing Ben Campbell, med-school prodigy who has all the means go to Harvard and become the next great doctor… except the cash. 300 grand to be exact. All seems lost until Professor Rosa (Kevin Spacey) recognizes his genius and asks him to fill the recently vacated spot on the team. From there, (insert any other team-flick plot here) as Ben runs through the usual motions before finally joining the gang. Guy has talent, guy gets recruited, guy says no, cute girl (Kate Bosworth) pleads to guy, guy gives in and joins.
Just a note to anyone thinking of seeing this film intending to learn how to count cards: you will be disappointed. Beyond the basics (hand signals, the count, etc.) much of the process is oversimplified, lightly covered or skipped altogether. In fact, most of the card play is shown via montage. The actual procedure, which is fairly complex, is grossly underrepresented and made to appear feasible to anyone with a "can-do" attitude.
Back to the story: Once in Vegas, it doesn't take long for Ben to adjust to the new high-class lifestyle, becoming "whoever he wants to be." Trading dorm rooms for penthouse suites and local pubs for rooftop raves, he quickly grows to be the most valuable player on the team, all the while staying one step ahead of old-school rock 'em sock 'em security contractor Cole Williams (Laurence Fishburne.) Insert another montage or two and we begin to see all of Ben's dreams come true. Money, success and popularity all come to him as if he really were the filthy rich heir he pretends to be. Only one thing's missing: the gal. Nothing a little montage won't fix! And presto, the world is his to lose. But that's not something that would happen in a movie, would it?
While "21" may not be one of the best executed film in years, seeing some college
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