Movie Review: 21

I read the bestseller book Bringing Down the House while I was in high school, so when I was going to see 21 on Friday I was interested in how accurate the movie would be in comparison to the book or the true story behind the actual MIT Blackjack Team. The problem is the movie is loosely based on the book and the book is loosely based on the factual events so rather than expecting accuracy I just wanted to know if this movie is really worth the hype. I’m not going to sit here and write this review with a pompous “the book was better” kind of perspective as I was required to read Bringing Down the House for a class years ago and I only vaguely remember the basic elements of the story. Actually, the movie takes place in present day which already throws off the chronological setting as the MIT Blackjack Team originated in the 70’s and the book starts in 1993 meaning we can stop referencing the book altogether and just focus on the film.

The movie starts with Ben Campbell, an MIT student trying to find a way to pay tuition for Harvard Medical School. His amazing math and statistics abilities amaze his unorthodox math professor Mickey Rosa whom later invites him into a group of other mathematically-gifted students that have developed an intricate system of signs and signals combined with basic card counting. The group flies to Las Vegas every weekend with fake identities and the know-how to turn the odds of blackjack in their favor subsequently taking the casinos for millions.

I have to admit I was impressed by how the movie was put together. The story felt complete and gave just enough information without getting too sidetracked with the characters. While there may have been a heavy Hollywood influence with some of the scenes it all fit well with the basic plot. I think part of this high quality vibe I received from the film was simply the good acting. All of the characters were spot on including Kevin Spacey as Professor Mickey Rosa, Jim Sturgess as Ben Campbell and Kate Bosworth as a very beautiful Jill Taylor. However the acting didn’t make the movie completely; some of the special effects including a great score and some very slick camera work added a fresh definition to what was going on in the film.

Tonight’s review is going to be short as there isn’t a lot more that can be said without giving away all of the details. Overall, 21 may not have been entirely accurate to the book but the clever dialogue, cool effects, scattered hilariousness, and quality acting make it a great film that is going to be enjoyed by geeks and fans of the genre alike. This movie is easily one of the best I’ve seen so far this year.