21
Inspired by the true story of five students who changed the game forever.
Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) is a shy, brilliant M.I.T. student who - needing to pay school tuition - finds the answers in the cards. He is recruited to join a group of the school's most gifted students that heads to Vegas every weekend armed with fake identities and the know-how to turn the odds at blackjack in their favor. With unorthodox math professor and stats genius Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey) leading the way, they've cracked the code. By counting cards and employing an intricate system of signals, the team can beat the casinos big time. Seduced by the money, the Vegas lifestyle, and by his smart and sexy teammate, Jill Taylor (Kate Bosworth), Ben begins to push the limits. Though counting cards isn't illegal, the stakes are high, and the challenge becomes not only keeping the numbers straight, but staying one step ahead of the casinos' menacing enforcer: Cole Williams (Laurence Fishburne).
Member Reviews
Winner/Gagnon - penguinsrock09
Considering I don’t remember when or why I added this movie to my zip list I must say that it was a nice little surprise to have walked away enjoying the film.
The premise is very simple. You have a brilliant kid who needs to make a lot of money and he turns to counting cards. That doesn’t sound that exciting now does it? Well they did a great job. The characters were developed in a way that you get attached to their plight. You feel their ups and downs and you find yourself reluctantly rooting for the main character. The acting was very well done as well which made this movie different than similar ones that came before it.
The movie kept you on the edge of your seat for a good part of it as you find yourself wanting to know how things would turn out. You start to relate to certain characters and you feel bad for others. The suspense keeps building until the very end when everything unfolds.
This is definitely a movie to consider watching! If you’re interested in this genre of film and haven’t seen it yet then you better hit that zip button!Yep . . . simple, dumb and entertaining! - Coulongeon
Sonetimes ya just want to see a movie and sit back and be entertained. This movie is not deep. This movie does not delve into the depths of problem gambling. I don't even think this movie solves any of the world's problems! But my wife and I were entertained! It was fast paced, sometimes it touched your heart, and you end up liking the bad guy!! But then the question is . . . who is the bad guy?? I loved how the movie changed from the drab of eastern winters to the glitz of 24 hour sunshine a la Vegas! Watching this show on a damp November eve in western Quebec warmed me up. Grab a bag of chips, some pop and maybe Sara Lee for desert and enjoy!21 Reasons You Shouldn't Count Cards - Largestill
Based on true events, 21 recounts the story of MIT graduate students and a professor frequenting Las Vegas, NV to count cards and win big money. As you can imagine, things don't "play" out perfectly; but it has a happy ending.
Despite some creative license, this was a pretty good film. There are some genuinely great lines and some good action, and all the Blackjack you can stand for two hours.
Definitely worth renting.
Member Reviews
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Winner/Gagnon - penguinsrock09
Considering I don’t remember when or why I added this movie to my zip list I must say that it was a nice little surprise to have walked away enjoying the film.
The premise is very simple. You have a brilliant kid who needs to make a lot of money and ...Yep . . . simple, dumb and entertaining! - Coulongeon
Sonetimes ya just want to see a movie and sit back and be entertained. This movie is not deep. This movie does not delve into the depths of problem gambling. I don't even think this movie solves any of the world's problems! But my wife and I were entertained! ...21 Reasons You Shouldn't Count Cards - Largestill
Based on true events, 21 recounts the story of MIT graduate students and a professor frequenting Las Vegas, NV to count cards and win big money. As you can imagine, things don't "play" out perfectly; but it has a happy ending.
Despite some creative ...