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.
No comments:
Post a Comment