"21" movie review

This week we take a look at the blackjack drama 21 (PG-13). Jim Sturgess and Kate Bosworth costar as MIT students who, led by a professor (Kevin Spacey), count cards in a Las Vegas casino in order to earn extra money. Laurence Fishburne also costars, and Robert Luketic directs.

Ryan: The movie 21 is much like the game of blackjack. On the surface it's suitable entertainment but after awhile one realizes that it's not too exciting or very thought-provoking. That is how I would classify this movie. As a tale of smart college kids beating the house in Vegas, the movie works on the visceral level. But the movie only exists on that level. There's no attempt made to make the characters complex—hence interesting. There's also no desire by the filmmakers to dig deeper into the ramifications of gambling or of that lifestyle.

Andy: 21 had potential, as it is based on an acclaimed memoir (“Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich) and has a pretty exciting story. Surprisingly, the movie unfolds at a slow, boring, and predictable pace. There is never really a moment of genuine surprise, even when the film takes a stab at a twist ending. It also lacks much of the suspense that seems like it should be automatic in a story about sharking cards in Vegas.

Ryan: The superficiality of the movie doesn't just exist with the story. It also extends to the lackluster performances. Kevin Spacey, who seems to be stuck in acting purgatory, gives yet another uninspired performance. Jim Sturgess, who showed promise in last year's Across the Universe, is unable to show that he can adequately carry a movie. Kate Bosworth might have the looks of a movie star but she has, up to this point, not shone the ability to match those looks with a noteworthy performance.

Andy: As Ryan mentions, a large part of the problem with the film is the acting. Sturgess is awkward at best in the lead role. Sometimes that awkwardness seems appropriate for his character, but other times, like during the film's many lengthy voice-over narration segments, it just seem slow and unconvincing. Not helping matters is Kevin Spacey, who has spent the better part of the last decade destroying his relevancy. He does further damage here, attempting to be some kind of a tough guy but only seeming two dimensional in the process.

Ryan: Another aspect of 21 that’s muddled is just how true the events are depicted in the film. It’s inspired by a true story—from the book by Ben Mezrich-- but from what I’ve read and seen the filmmakers have taken several liberties with the story (mainly with the characters and their respected motivations). Granted this shouldn’t be too surprising considering Hollywood has been embellishing “true stories” for years but that kind of filmmaking decision normally detracts from a film instead of adding to it.

Andy: Luketic's direction must be called into question as well. The generic way the story is laid out only helps to expose the movie's weak execution. There are several effects shots where cards are being tossed around the table that seem amateurish and feel like the director was trying to hard to do something “cool.” I didn't actually hate this movie, but there really wasn't anything very good about it, so it is hard to give 21 a recommendation.

For a movie about college life, making easy money and Las Vegas, 21 fails to live up to the excitement of those three notions. Final grade: C-.