Robert Luketic

Grab your dictionary and define these words: dazzling, genius, brilliant, incredible. These words are the perfect description for the far-fetched, dramatic story of 21.

The epic story of 21 is inspired by the story of some brilliant and bright M.I.T students who dared to take Las Vegas casinos for millions, based on the true story called Bringing Down The House. In 21, Ben Campbell, an extremely intelligent student, planned that the money he made was to go towards his outstanding educational fees though, despite being a genius, as he made more money through card counting he began to get greedier. Unfortunately, his greed was his downfall and things turned upside-down and very wrong as far as being betrayed, kidnapped and bankrupted goes. This story gives you a great sense of “greed is good,” though sometimes good things are “too good to be true” as there are always prices to pay!

In reality, the idea of a team of students winning millions and leading a double life may seem insanely crazy but that’s what makes the story of 21 so incredibly fantastic. Yet not only are the students themselves leading one heck of a double life making millions, but shockingly enough their professor is in on it too. “Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you are going to get.” This is what you’ll get in 21 as it is no lame, ordinary story... Let’s just say it’s a “Kinder Surprise!”

Recommended for all age groups and interests, especially those who are interested in Blackjack.… (more)

21 on DVD. Sometimes the Hollywood “geniuses” can dramatize real world events and turn out a worthwhile product (see Charlie Wilson’s War), but usually they suck the life out of a good story by manipulating events to fit what they think audiences want to see. Such is the case with the fascinating tale of a team of MIT students who used a card counting system to win millions of dollars at casinos. Hollywood’s focus on one desperate, but brilliant, student whose personality changes after finding success and money in Las Vegas may be good drama, but it’s a formula that’s been done so many times before. Struggling, loner boy becomes popular, gets the girl, dumps his loyal friends, and starts lying and behaving like a jerk. Success doesn’t last and popularity fades, but friends take him back and he learns life lessons from the experience (blend the easily forgettable “The New Guy” or “Mean Girls” or “The Princess Diaries” with elements of “Risky Business”). However, if this formula appeals to you, then you might enjoy this story and how the hero deals with the double-crossing professor and the vigilant casino security chief. If you want the real, riveting story of these casino-busting kids, get the “Breaking Vegas” documentary DVD instead.
For all my book and movie reviews, please visit my blog at http://unsetalarmclock.wordpress.com/… (more)