21 (2008)

Preying on Ben (Jim Sturgess, Across the Universe), a brilliant student who is struggling to come up with tuition for medical school, Professor Mickey Rosa (Kevin Spacey) recruits him to be one of five gifted students Rosa trains to become an elite group of card counters. Using hand signals and an intricate code system, the students descend on Vegas on the weekends to bilk casinos but returns in time to make classes on Monday. Ben, reluctant at first, joins to make his tuition money, but soon finds himself seduced by the lifestyle of a high-roller and his sexy teammate, Jill (Kate Bosworth). Ben's a natural. It's not long before he loses everything he has worked for and that gives Ben the opportunity of a lifetime.

This highly-stylized drama is based on the story of six MIT students who swindled Vegas casinos for uber-dollars. Unfortunately, 21 isn't as riveting as the book. The film, while gorgeous, languishes onscreen. The dialogue is tiresome and forced.

The cast tries desperately to salvage a mediocre screenplay. Sturgess is sad, Spacey --a prick. There is no development of characters--nothing that allows our protagonists to become engaging or relate-able. They all manage good performances given the material. Lawrence Fishburne as a menacing casino employee is a small highlight.

Further still, 21, would have us to believe these genius would act so stupid. Even if you give them a pass, ie, book sense/common sense, the characters quickly jump the shark with their idiocy.

21 is all flash, no substance. Don't throw your time away with this one.