Tiringly Straightforward

Rating: 3/10 (3 August 2009)

21 does not generate the thrills or excitement associated with the casino world. It is very laborious effort with an all too predictable tale.
Kevin Spacey adds a bit of glamour to the film but even he suffers from the films ineptitude of style and direction. The mathematical geniuses employed to make lots of money playing blackjack are cocksure (which they are meant to be) but they are decidedly unappealing protagonists (if that is what you deem them to be) . Jim Sturgess is the strongest of the cast and makes the most of a tame story.
The film does not entertain and focuses very much on the all too cumbersome teenage themes of money, love and friendship. This is sadly a tired, wearisome and sluggish creation.