21 - the film review

Last night I went to see 21 at the cinema. I wasn't sure what to expect with this film, as all I knew about it was that it was about a guy who joins his tutor in a black jack Vegas card counting ring to try and fund his Harvard Medical college education. The main character was played by a relatively unknown actor, Jim Sturgess, which the person I saw the film with argued should have been a 'someone' like Ashton Kutcher or another big name. I disagreed as I think the decision to use a new face to cinema meant you had no preconceptions for the character or the role. Sturgess plays it well, progressing from a college geek to an over-confident Vegas high roller. There were a few unexpected big names in the film too such as Kevin Spacey and Laurence Fishburne who both also fill their roles convincingly as the mastermind turned double-crossing tutor and the thug security official respectively. Although the movie was entertaining, I think it was possibly half an hour too long with too many scene setting trips to Vegas where they amass their collective fortune and I did find myself thinking my butt had fallen asleep! The ending is very good though, with a couple of twists and turns and a happy ending to satisfy all round. So, in conclusion, good film, good ending, bit too long for my liking!

There are a few really good films previewed before the film started which I am looking forward to seeing in May. What happens in Vegas looked hilarious and had the cinema laughing hard, although I hope that they didn't show all the good bits in the trailer like past comedies. The trailer for the next Batman film, The Dark Knight, didn't do a good job of tantelising the movie taste buds but I know I'll go and see it anyway off the merit of the first film... also can't wait for the new Indiana Jones movie to be released!