The Rocket

Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Focus

Media Credit: MCT Campus Jim Sturgess, star of "21," plays an MIT college student who wants to go to Harvard Medical School. His only obstacle is finding a way to pay for it. [Click to enlarge]

"21" is kind of like counting cards-if you put down some money to see this film, you're most likely going to win.

In all honesty, the only reason I went to see "21" was because the only other movie opening at the local cinema this week was "Superhero Movie." I have such a dislike of modern-day spoofs that nothing could have dragged me to the theater to see that movie, so "21" was my only other option.

I'm glad that it was the only other option. If there had been other options I might've missed out on one of the better movies I've seen this year.

"21" is inspired by a true story, which generally means that the basic premise is true with everything else being completely fictional. The truth is that there are people who know how to count cards, who understand how blackjack works and can make a tremendous amount of money doing so. It's also true that a group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology did go to Las Vegas and count cards. Beyond that, I have absolutely no clue what's true in this story.

Honestly though, I didn't care in the least. This movie is slick, stylish and ridiculously entertaining. The story begins with Ben Campbell, played by Jim Sturgess ("Across the Universe," "The Other Boleyn Girl"). Ben is attending MIT with aspirations of going to Harvard Medical School. He has been accepted by Harvard, and the only obstacle in his path is finding the money to pay for it.

When Ben's Professor, played by Kevin Spacey ("American Beauty," "Superman Returns") notices that Ben has an extremely gifted mind, he invites him to join his secret business.

The business goes as follows: Gifted students learn how to read patterns, using simple math, in playing cards. Using this ability, they go to Las Vegas on weekends and make an absurd amount of money.

While Ben is hesitant at first, the lure of being able to afford attending Harvard is too tempting and he joins the team. Speaking of the group, in many movies that are comprised of actors playing college students, the acting usually is far from top-notch. In this movie, however, the group members are played by good actors who actually seem like real people. Kate Bosworth ("Superman Returns," "Blue Crush") plays Jill Taylor, Ben's love interest. I have not seen Bosworth in many movies, but she shines in "21." She is truly more than just a Hollywood pretty face and should have an outstanding career ahead of her.

Ben plans to stay on the team just long enough to make the $300,000 he needs for Harvard and then get out. Unfortunately, the temptation of money begins to change the person he is and has terrible consequences.

"21" is by no means the most original movie I've ever seen, but it is a fresh take on the timeless tale of getting lost in the world of money. It actually isn't a point that can be made too many times. Striving after money for the sole purpose of gaining more for ourselves is a dangerous and costly quest. This movie is a subtle reminder that we can lose our focus in life if we take our eyes off of what is really important. Sometimes we can regain our footing after we lose focus, but sometimes we cannot. In short, it's a slippery slope that isn't worth the risk.

RENTAL PICK
"August Rush" is a charming movie. It's a beautifully crafted tale of the power of music. There are some elements in this movie that are slightly hokey, and even downright unrealistic, but it works. The movie is so sweet and sincere that it will completely capture your heart.

Brian McCumsey is a junior history major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

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