Not great, not bad

Rating: 5/10 (19 August 2008)

A film on card counting might seem interesting but can it really hold viewers for about two hours? Well, it depends on how interesting, original and coherent the plot is if the viewers are to be placed at an utmost priority. In addition, cinematography and atmosphere is also an important consideration no matter what the demographic of the intended film. In the case of 21, the answer given to the question posed would be a resounding no.
The film follows Ben Campbell who is quite literally put, a genius. He is unable to go to Harvard because he does not have the $300000 for it. Luckily enough, one of his lecturers spotted him and took Ben under his wing to teach him to count cards. With his tutelage, Ben, with other card counters, is able to rake in the cash playing blackjack at casinos in Las Vegas. The question is, at what lengths does Ben have to go in order to keep the chick, friends and Harvard? The plot for 21 is a rather predictable one that might make viewers fall asleep if they have no control over their central nervous system. This film definitely needs more time in the editing room to make it more cohesive. Running at 123 minutes, probably about 80 minutes of this film is watchable while the rest of the time you will be cursing while fighting off drowsiness in hope that the film will end immediately. Some scenes are cringe inducing for seasoned film-goers where certain plot points used are walking clichés. An example of this is where Hollywood enforces the fact that any characters can throw away their own characterisation just to get the plot moving.
Loud blaring music and fast cuts are abundant in this film much like a music video found on MTV. This film might work for a young audience in this aspect and non-young people will feel alienated while watching this. In fact, the cinematography and overuse of loud music simply makes this film look like a cheap feature film version of Las Vegas except for the lack of women in skimpy clothing. The director shows no vision at all in this weak piece which easily passes off as a Las Vegas look-alike that it's no surprise he is an unknown and might continue to be an unknown if he does not buck up his work.
The casts are particularly lazy in this film as there is a lack of energy in their performance. This can be seen in Kevin Spacey who looks like he just wanted some money and thus decided to play the smart-ass character he has been doing yet again. Kate Bosworth's appearance is mostly eye candy to excite young men and as a result, an unmemorable love interest is presented to the main lead. On the less dull side, Laurence Fishburne and Jim Sturgess are probably the only ones who wanted to achieve something and they gave slightly more zest to their characters than the other casts. In the end, weak character development makes their characters only somewhat decent and not memorable.
All in all, the good points from this film are probably the reason one watches a TV show like Las Vegas and CSI. With that in mind, this film does not fail outright but becomes barely watchable. It is nothing great and not downright awful. If you are a teenager and is excited by loud music, this film should mildly entertain you. Other than that, it is a missable affair that nobody cares to dwell over.