21 (2008)
2h 3m | PG-13
Ben Campbell is a young, highly intelligent student at M.I.T. who strives to succeed. Wanting a scholarship to transfer to Harvard School of Medicine to become a doctor, Ben learns that he cannot afford the $300,000 tuition as he comes from a poor, working-class background. But one evening, Ben is introduced by his unorthodox math professor to a small but secretive club of five students, Jill, Choi, Kianna, and Fisher, who are being trained by Professor Rosa to count cards at blackjack.
Director: Robert Luketic
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Genre: Drama, Crime
Video: 720p
Cast
Jim Sturgess
as Ben Campbell
Kevin Spacey
as Micky Rosa
Kate Bosworth
as Jill Taylor
Aaron Yoo
as Choi
Liza Lapira
as Kianna
Jacob Pitts
as Fisher
Reviews
**21 intrigues with a fascinating true story, fast pace, and fun characters.** 21 entertains with its fast-paced story based on the real-life account of the MIT Blackjack Team, who tried their hand at counting cards in Vegas and won big. While 21 is not groundbreaking in its storytelling or execution, it's a fun and enjoyable film with a good twist and likable characters. This film sets itself apart from a typical heist movie in that card counting is not technically illegal. The characters weren't trying to escape police but casino enforcers with brass knuckles and examples to make. This relatively unknown cast surprised with its solid performances boosted by the film's great pacing and exciting story.