MOVIE REVIEW - 21

21 is the new "Vegas" movie in theaters this week. I have no doubt this will be a big hit for this time of the year at the box office.

Inspired by true events, 21 is the story of an MIT professor (Kevin Spacey) and a troupe of 5 gifted MIT students who learn to beat Vegas by counting cards while playing Blackjack. Be mindful counting cards is not actually illegal, but is frowned on by Vegas casino security. The troupe wins in Vegas time after time, and finally the jig is up. Vegas security (Laurence Fishburne) finally catch up with them, and the drama really begins. There are numerous side plots too that make 21 an engaging movie to be sure. Especially when you think about what else is at the box office this time of year.

There is nothing really wrong with 21. But somehow, I feel there's something missing, and I can't really put my finger on it. It's right at 2 hours, it is draggy in a spot or two, but I did enjoy the movie. I did come away though wondering what more could have been done. The band of young actors that play the students are fine, Spacey is fine, and Fishburne really steals the show in his small role. I found myself waiting for him to come back into the movie when he was out of it.

It's always fun to see a movie set in Las Vegas. It really is a nice backdrop to a movie. Plus the story is compelling enough. One thing 21 does extremely well, is show you the effect Vegas can have on a young mind and just how mesmerizing it can become. 21 also makes a good decision or two as well. There are times it could have gone to a more violent place but chooses not to, and that's a good choice. It would not have made it a better movie.

You will more than likely enjoy 21, and it will be good for business in Vegas. You can count on that.....actually.. you should maybe just bank on that and not count. Counting is frowned upon in Vegas.