Matthew Shallue21 (2008)
21 (2008)
Starring: Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, and Kate Bosworth
Director: Robert Luketic
Running Time: 123 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Drama
21 is the tale of six MIT students and their instructor who develop a system for counting cards. Based on a true story, the six used their skills to win at blackjack and take several Las Vegas casinos for millions.
Jim Sturgess, as Ben Campell, math genius and all around academic prodigy, is working his way through MIT, trying to earn money for medical school. Kate Bosworth plays Jill Taylor, a street smart MIT student who acts the part of lookout, at the blackjack table. Jill watches the casino table and signals to her partners whether the table is hot, or cold. Professor Micky Rosa is played by veteran actor Kevin Spacey. Prof. Rosa is the leader of the MIT card counters who trains them and pulls the strings behind the scenes.
Jim (Sturgess) is lured into the group with the promise of money; enough money to pay for medical school. Plans change when Jim begins to fall for Jill and becomes infatuated with the lifestyle of a high roller. By this time the casino is on to them and waiting to catch them. While card counting is technically not illegal, the advantage that it gives someone is not looked upon favorably by casinos. The pit boss played by Lawrence Fishburne is all too eager to deal out some old school casino justice.
Jim Sturgess and Kate Bosworth turn in outstanding performances. Sturgess is truly believable as a nerdy student who becomes involved with promises of money and the life of a high roller. Bosworth is equally compelling as Jill. She adapts her character to the ever changing situations around her, keeping her life in perspective while enjoying the lights and nightlife of Las Vegas. As expected Kevin Spacey is great, fitting the role of a teacher and a person of questionable integrity. Spacey keeps the two sides of Prof. Micky Rosa separate for most of the film, until the climax. Well laid plans start to go awry and Micky double crosses Jim, using his power as a professor to destroy Jims future hopes.
21 is an excellent blend of drama, perceptions of a high roller lifestyle and the story of a nerd turned hero. Director Robert Luketic does an excellent job of selling the high roller lifestyle. The lights, sounds and life of Las Vegas shine through and add to the story. There is a little something for everyone, if you’re a fan of Oceans Eleven, or other Las Vegas glamorized movies, 21 is for you.
Starring: Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, and Kate Bosworth
Director: Robert Luketic
Running Time: 123 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Drama
21 is the tale of six MIT students and their instructor who develop a system for counting cards. Based on a true story, the six used their skills to win at blackjack and take several Las Vegas casinos for millions.
Jim Sturgess, as Ben Campell, math genius and all around academic prodigy, is working his way through MIT, trying to earn money for medical school. Kate Bosworth plays Jill Taylor, a street smart MIT student who acts the part of lookout, at the blackjack table. Jill watches the casino table and signals to her partners whether the table is hot, or cold. Professor Micky Rosa is played by veteran actor Kevin Spacey. Prof. Rosa is the leader of the MIT card counters who trains them and pulls the strings behind the scenes.
Jim (Sturgess) is lured into the group with the promise of money; enough money to pay for medical school. Plans change when Jim begins to fall for Jill and becomes infatuated with the lifestyle of a high roller. By this time the casino is on to them and waiting to catch them. While card counting is technically not illegal, the advantage that it gives someone is not looked upon favorably by casinos. The pit boss played by Lawrence Fishburne is all too eager to deal out some old school casino justice.
Jim Sturgess and Kate Bosworth turn in outstanding performances. Sturgess is truly believable as a nerdy student who becomes involved with promises of money and the life of a high roller. Bosworth is equally compelling as Jill. She adapts her character to the ever changing situations around her, keeping her life in perspective while enjoying the lights and nightlife of Las Vegas. As expected Kevin Spacey is great, fitting the role of a teacher and a person of questionable integrity. Spacey keeps the two sides of Prof. Micky Rosa separate for most of the film, until the climax. Well laid plans start to go awry and Micky double crosses Jim, using his power as a professor to destroy Jims future hopes.
21 is an excellent blend of drama, perceptions of a high roller lifestyle and the story of a nerd turned hero. Director Robert Luketic does an excellent job of selling the high roller lifestyle. The lights, sounds and life of Las Vegas shine through and add to the story. There is a little something for everyone, if you’re a fan of Oceans Eleven, or other Las Vegas glamorized movies, 21 is for you.
