Predictable, Average Bet on 21

Rating: 6/10 (21 January 2019)

3 April 2008. Warning: Spoilers. Contains all the required and predictable elements, including boy meets girl, good boy turned bad boy turned good boy. This movie is abit confusing, has more elements than necessary to tell an effective story. Unlike THE COOLER (2003) that has a fabulous soundtrack and atmospheric set design and cinematography and careful focus on the game, the historical passing of the gambling game, substantive character development, 21 has more of a by the numbers movie. It is also confusing for the non-initiated and is unbalanced in its presentation of the duel between the good and bad guys. While this movie is entertaining and keeps up the interest, partly depending on the pounding musical track, it still loses in disguises and believability in several places. Based on a true story, it could be that the actual story might have been more authentically and emotionally compelling and satisfying. Six out of Ten Stars.