Flashback Review: 21

It sucks when work is slow, but it gives me those couple of hours I need to watch a movie without interruption. Going through the stack I have, this movie stood out, though I was somewhat hesitant. When the movie had first come out, I wasn't too interested in it. But after hearing some praise from people I know who had seen it, I thought I'd give it a chance. So I watched it, and now in what almost seems like forever, I have a review for you:

21

The movie is "based on true events" about an MIT student named Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess), a nerdy but simple man looking to try to fund his way into Harvard Medical School. Picking up on his gift for numbers, Professor Mickey Rosa (Kevin Spacey) recruits him into his "blackjack team," learning to count cards in order to take Las Vegas for all it's worth. So begins Ben's enterprise, throwing away his old life in favor of that as a high roller. As expected, Ben realizes he can pay the price for his new found glory; and he has to somehow, as smart as he is, figure out how to roll with it all.

Though the most well-known actors (Spacey and Laurence Fishbourne) are given little time to show, the young cast as the team do well enough. Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Liza Lapira and Aaron Yoo work pretty well together, and give the movie an energetic feel. But you can't leave out Spacey and Fishbourne, who hold the best moments of the film (Fishbourne sticks out to me more because he acts more badass than he did in "The Matrix"). Also apparent is the scenes of Vegas, which are very well done, and give you an idea as to why people get into the "Vegas spirit" when they're there.

This movie though is comparible to most any movie about a "nobody gaining a new life, but losing the important parts of his old life, and ultimately losing everything so he has to try to get some of his old life back" (please don't make me list them all here). The formula is too familiar, and as good as the acting is, you can't reallt get into the chain-of-events that complete it. Once Ben joins the team, you know exactly how the movie is going to go. What's also a little out of place is the narration. Considering the ending of the film, the narration should've been more fulfilling, and not as sporadic as it was. This also effects the flow, which is hampered some to begin with. The close ties between the characters seem to come to quick, as well-presented as they are, and almost takes away from some of its realism.

The audience that would appreciate this movie more is probably a younger audience who won't expect much from the older actors, and might take an interest in the "new blood" of the film. Also as is obvious, those who like gambling and card playing would go for it too (which is probably why those who liked it said so). Otherwise, it might not keep you interested enough. Stories like this have been told too many times, but if you like this kind of lifestyle, you might appreciate this movie more than the others like it.

Needless to say, Vegas does seem a little appealing to those who don't know what it's like. High rolling, chip stacks up to your eyes, suites better than your own home........almost like a dream come true if you can afford it. The people in this film were lucky enough to do it, and someone like you could be too. You may not know how to count cards, but you could play and hit that "blackjack", and here the saying from the dealer:

"Winner, winner, chicken dinner."

Strange words, but nice to hear when you realize you're a winner.

Coming Attractions

We're getting close to the "Oscar season" (stupid considering some really good movies come out in the middle of the year too), so some potential contenders are coming out soon. Lets look at some as well as what might catch your eye:

Body of Lies- Leo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe team up in a spy thriller that seems to have quite an edge.....which makes for a good spy movie. Plus I'm a huge Crowe fan, and I've been waiting for his next big movie for a while. Expect Oscar nods too.

Max Payne- The video game this is based on had an incredible story, and the visuals from the previews seem to indicate a strong action film. Not really a Mark Wahlberg fan, and the fact that it was just rated PG-13 have hurt my interest a little, but I'm not ruling it out.

Changeling- Though only getting a limited release, this is supposed to be one of the first strong Ocsar-movies. I'm a fan of Angelina Jolie, and she seems poised for another Oscar in this drama that has an interesting premise and a well-rounded cast (Amy Ryan, John Malkovich, and Jeffrey Donovan).

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa- The first movie was pretty good, and the preview I saw seems like this will improve. Ben Stiller leads a great cast voicing the wild animals trying to get home while encountering the many zany situations they're sure to get in to.

Quantum of Solace- I haven't even seen "Casino Royale", but from what I've heard, the new version of Bond is one of the best. I'm hoping to see "Casino" before the next highly-anticipated film hits theaters.

The more serious movies are starting to show, and I'm sure I'll make some pre-nomination predictions(although I'm sure the real nominations will be INSANELY different), as well as some picks for when the Oscars come around. Seeing as how far away all that is, I'll have to try to fill that gap with hopefully some reviews. Once some of the major house-jobs calm down, then I'll hopefully have some more free time for movie time..........key word "hopefully."