Watch 21
- PG-13
- 2008
- 2 hr 3 min
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6.8 (256,081)
In the 2008 movie "21", Jim Sturgess stars as Ben Campbell, a brilliant student at MIT who dreams of attending Harvard Medical School. However, he is unable to afford the tuition fees and his chances of being selected for the highly competitive scholarship are slim. When his math professor Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey) invites him to join a secret group of six students who have perfected the art of counting cards in Blackjack, Ben sees a way to make enough money for his tuition. Over the course of several weekends, Ben and his fellow students travel to Las Vegas armed with false identities, impressive wardrobes and the ability to count cards undetectably. In each casino, they work together to win big at the Blackjack tables, racking up millions of dollars in winnings. Kate Bosworth plays Jill Taylor, one of the members of the card counting team and also a potential love interest for Ben. However, as their winnings increase, their relationships start to become strained, and their secret operation is threatened when they catch the attention of casino security and a suspicious detective (Laurence Fishburne). As the tension mounts, Ben must decide whether to continue his dangerous and highly illegal activity or to walk away from the group and jeopardise his chances of attending Harvard Medical School. Along the way, he learns important lessons about trust, money and morality, which will shape his future. Based on a true story and the book "Bringing Down the House" by Ben Mezrich, "21" is a thrilling and suspenseful drama that explores the darker side of the American Dream. The movie showcases the glittery world of fast cars, fancy suits, and high-end casinos, all set against the backdrop of the neon-lit Vegas Strip. Sturgess's performance as Ben Campbell is captivating, as he transforms from a mild-mannered student to a suave and confident playboy, all while balancing the moral dilemma of his actions. Meanwhile, Spacey brings his trademark charisma as the sociopathic college professor who leads the team with a mix of charm and manipulative tactics. Bosworth delivers a solid performance as the conflicted member of the team caught between her loyalty to her friends and her conscience. With fast-paced action and a sharp script, director Robert Luketic keeps the audience on the edge of their seats for most of the movie. The climax of the film, with its unexpected twists and turns, is both exciting and satisfying. "21" is a cautionary tale about greed, ambition, and the high price of success. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good heist movie with a touch of morality.