From Deseret News archives:
21
Film review
Like a seriously troubled gambling addict, "21" shows its hand too early and then stays at the table too long for its own good.
This fact-based piece runs two full hours, and by the time it's done, some huge holes in its plotting have been exposed and a ridiculous, laughable ending has been tacked on.
That's a shame, because the first hour of the movie is actually pretty good. It's based on "Bringing Down the House," the nonfiction best-seller about how a half-dozen Massachusetts Institute of Technology students used card-counting techniques and player-communication strategies to take millions from Las Vegas casinos.
The fictionalized version stars Jim Sturgess ("Across the Universe"). He plays Ben Campbell, a brilliant and hard-working but cash-strapped student who's been accepted to Harvard Medical School once he completes his undergraduate work.
Unfortunately, he doesn't have enough money to pay the Harvard tuition. And his chances of getting a scholarship are remote at best.
Director Robert Luketic ("Legally Blonde") and two credited screenwriters do a good job of explaining the fictional Rosa's gambling "system" and techniques. The plotting is a little muddied and is pretty sketchy towards the end, though.
And Sturgess does try to cover up his natural British accent with an unconvincing New England one. But he's a pretty likable hero, even when the film demands otherwise.
As for Spacey, he chews so much scenery here that you expect to see plasterboard between his teeth. And Bosworth is a pretty negligible presence.
"21" is rated PG-13 for some strong violence (including a brutal interrogation scene, some fisticuffs and brief gunplay), occasional profanity, a brief sex scene, some suggestive language (slang references), derogatory slurs, brief partial female nudity, and brief gore. Running time: 122 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne, Jim Sturgess, Jack McGee, Liza Lapira, Aaron Yoo, Sam Golzari, Spencer Garrett, Kieu Chinh
Find a Movie Theater
- Festival of Trees includes roadster 2:14 a.m.
- Getting serious about seat belts 1:15 a.m.
- Witness describes '99 killing 1:15 a.m.
- Police increase presence at Skyline 1:14 a.m.
- Cougars cruise past Southern 1:03 a.m.
- Utes fall to Seattle U. at home 1:01 a.m.
- Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day 12:59 a.m.
- Y. focused on 10-win season 12:54 a.m.
- Thunder rolls by Jazz 12:49 a.m.
- Sloan remembers Abe Pollin 12:47 a.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Best prep football games of 2009
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Witness describes '99 killing
- Boys basketball rankings
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
232 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
224 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
189 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
122 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99 - 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
93
Maya was wronged. The trophy was stolen. The judges had to give him a 30 so...
Go Coug's I'll be there at LES and I expect a great finsh from Max Pitta and Co.
At least he won't be a stupid Junior. Has anyone played worse in the rivalry...
I was hoping they would win, but the were up against a lot of great talent....
I agree completely with your comments about Jay Leno. He goes way to far and...
I, too, think Mr. Gale does a great job with his articles. His...
We should drill more and lower the price globally for oil. Fine build nuclear...
No I don't own a poster of shirtless Jacob - but there is a huge difference...
Gary, What nonsense! Specify the emails that "prove" deception. You...
if you guys don't think soccer is a sport? then what do you consider a sport?...





You can be the first to comment on this story.