21 - 3 smiles

“21,” starring Kevin Spacey, Jim Sturgess and Laurence Fishburne, is about a group of college students who develop a system to win big money in Las Vegas. Based on the book “Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich, “21” chronicles the exploits of five MIT students and their professor/mentor. Ben Campbell (Sturgess) has been accepted to Harvard Medical School but lacks the funds to attend. Because he is gifted with a mind for numbers, he is invited to join a small group of students led by professor Micky Rosa (Spacey) as they prepare to ‘beat the house.’ At first Ben is reluctant to join, but because he needs $300,000 for med school, he agrees. Soon greed combines with the bright Vegas lights to compromise Ben’s principles and he becomes a little too cocky. Not only does he alienate himself from his friends, but more importantly, he must outwit Cole Williams (Fishburne), a ruthless casino consultant who is not above beating a hapless player caught counting cards.

“21” is a departure for director Robert Luketic, whose best known films include “Legally Blonde” and “Monster-in-Law.” Luketic does an effective job of contrasting a cold, sterile Boston with a warm, pulsing, highly alluring place like Las Vegas. And he elicits genuine performances from his cast, especially from Sturgess and Spacey, who ultimately provide the film’s conflict. Kate Bosworth, who plays Ben’s love interest and starred with Spacey in “Beyond the Sea,” doesn’t have a role that calls for much acting, but she and Sturgess have adequate on-screen chemistry. Fishburne is excellent as a man who seems to have a strong moral code, but really doesn’t.

The MGM Grand lost $450,000 in one night to students from MIT. Of course their story makes for an interesting movie. I’m betting you’ll feel the same. (3/19/08)