Movie Review: Gambling Movie 21

[Canuck Kid]

21 has everything going for it - great cast and premise - yet it still manages to dumb it all down to nothing more than some flashy shots of Vegas.

There haven't been too many decent gambling movies to come out recently, so when I first got wind that Hollywood was taking a shot at the bestseller Bringing Down the House, I was pretty excited. When I heard that it opened at No. 1 at the box office with $23.7 million, I grew even more hopeful.

The book is based on a true story about math prodigies from MIT who set up a card counting system that allows them to beat the house in Vegas. The movie, it turned out, was so loosely based on the book that they might as well have just said that it was based on Winnie the Pooh.

It would be far too easy to get carried away on discussing the many ways the movie departed from, and was worse than, the book. Besides, it would have only been surprising if the movie had remained true to it. But I can't let go of the most brutal alteration they made – the title: 21 instead of Bringing Down the House? Really? Here was the first sign that the screenplay adaptors were grade-A douche bags.

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[Sampson]

I actually really enjoyed the movie. I can understand why some people may not like the movie, especially when compared to the book. I just thought that the basic plot was covered well, the acting was great, and the "flashy" shots of Vegas just added to the atmosphere. I thought the movie was great, and would recommend it.

I'm debating goin to see this, but like most movies I just might wait till its on Blue Ray

[Ruddem]

I loved the movie. I found a couple spots that annoyed me, where all they did was party after they won, and that got old quick, but at the same time, I liked all the views of Las Vegas, because I really want to go next year.

[Shame About Ray]

if you haven't been to Vegas you have just got to go...what a party town!!!

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[Sampson]

I agree! If you haven't been to Vegas you need to get yourself out there. Great hotels, great casinos, great ... well, pretty much everything. I say it's something everybody should experience at least once in their lives. Even if you're family and friends don't like to gamble, you can keep them busy with a show or something.

[Ruddem]

if you haven't been to Vegas you have just got to go...what a party town!!!

I agree! I need to get out there soon, but I really need to save up some money so I don't come back completely broke.

But as far as the movie goes, I would recommend it, even if you aren't typically into gambling movies.