Give this one a chance and see it through to the end

Rating: 9/10 (3 July 2008)

This is one of three films I saw on a trans-Atlantic flight. None of the three were ones I particularly wanted to see, but I was bored and in hindsight I am thrilled I saw 21.
Now I'll admit up front that the first section of the film isn't super-exciting, but I stuck with it. My wife and daughter also tried, but quickly gave up and switched channels (their loss). Stick with it, as the film becomes more complex and intelligently written as it progresses--ending with many nice little plot twists to keep you guessing. Additional pluses in the film are the acting (particularly by Kevin Spacey) and the excellent musical score that really takes chances but works so well.
I'd say more about the film, but frankly I'd hate to somehow divulge any of the film's twists. Suffice to say that it's about a brilliant group of card counters who make a killing at Vegas--and then things start to turn ugly in ways they never expected.