21-movie-poster.jpgLoosely based on the book ” Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich, this is the tale of a bunch of M.I.T. students who take on Vegas at the Blackjack tables. Ben Campbell ( Jim Sturgess ) is a straight A student who needs to raise $300,000 to allow him to attend Harvard Medical School. He is recruited by his Maths professor, Micky Rosa ( Kevin Spacey ) to join his team of card counters who run weekend trips to Vegas. Whilst his initial interest is only to get his tuition money, greed and excitement take over blurring the lines between his life as a student and that of a high rolling weekend gambler. Add to this his smart and sexy teammate, Jill Taylor ( Kate Bosworth ) and he begins to loose control. Although counting cards isn’t illegal, the stakes are high and he attracts the attention of Casino Enforcer, Cole Williams ( Laurence Fishburne ).

This was a really enjoyable film and appeals to teens upwards. This I know as my 16 year oldbringing_down_the_house_book_cover.png daughter also really liked the film. There were some very good performances from both the main players and from the supporting cast and it gives an outsider a really good view of what Vegas can do to people.

The screenplay is well written and has a very good twist at the end which I shan’t reveal as that would spoil it for you.

Oh well, I guess I’ll have to read the book now and play spot the difference.

Score 8/10