Pretty, and average, so pretty average

Rating: 5/10 (19 June 2009)

What can I say, I like a good story that combines math talent with risk and danger. Not quite a heist movie, and of course "loosely" based on a true story, 21 is some pretty good popcorn fare for a good two hours and change.
The images are pretty. They are mostly clichéd and typical shots of Las Vegas, the usual glam and color on winding aerials and dissolves, but it's fun to look at. The characters are entertaining. For some reason, Kevin Spacey went to sleep for this role, which is interesting because if he had actually bothered to put some work into it, it might have made this a much more fun movie, and his character would be much more dynamic. Instead, he barely keeps his eyes open. It's strange. The story is predictable, but the details suffice to keep you interested.
All in all, it's a very average movie. Sometimes movies are so average, that it's worth emphasizing the absolute average-ness of it. This is one of those movies. There's really nothing else to say.
--PolarisDiB