Review of 21 (2008) by Johanna M — 14 Jul 2010

This reviewer stands at a bit of a disadvantage, having not read Peter Steinfeld's Bringing Down the House, the book from which 21 was adapted. He is a betting man, however, and would wager that - had he indeed read said true story - it would probably not be a H'Wood caper so neatly packaged that it could have 'Acme' stamped on the side of its crate. And no, this shiny wrapping is not the worst thing in moviedom. It does, of course, look pretty and improbably resolves itself without taxing a single brain cell--mostly due to the game cast. With such a unique story, however, the producers missed the opportunity to present something fresh and challenging. What results does not go bust so much as break even.

In the true story 21, a team of brilliant M.I.T. students (Bosworth, Jim Sturgess) learns how to turn the Vegas Blackjack odds in their favor, attracting the attention of a ruthless loss prevention official (Lawrence Fishburne) in the offing.

Poor Kevin Spacey. Even with stock dialogue such as "Welcome to Las Vegas," the Oscar winner brings a wink-wink knowingness to the table, giving the line reading more than it ever deserves. Fishburne also relishes his part and leaves moviegoers wondering why he does not play heavies more often. The material, however, proves an easy comp, spinning an unbelievable tale into formulaic ho-humdrum. Directors like Robert Luketic (Legally Blond) simply find it easier to play it safe rather than taking some Wile E. Coyote-style gambles.

Bottom Line: Fair to meddling.