Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘21’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

I’ve always found it fascinating how people tend to lose themselves in their own little world. That’s not a bad thing by any means, since worrying about our own hide can in fact help us move forward in life since we are focused on our own agenda which allows for us to work harder to achieve our respective goals. However, there is a downside to this, since it does isolate us from the rest of the world and that can in turn, remove us from awesome experiences that could bring us great joy.
 
But, while we all know deep down that sometimes we need to step out of our protective bubble and explore the world and all the things it has to offer, that’s often easier said than done, especially when we are young. For a youthful mind focuses on the notion that we have plenty of time to enjoy life later on once we’ve established our respective careers and sometimes, we’re not emotionally or mentally ready to step out of that safe zone and if anything, I’m always appreciative of stories that take the time to explore the difficulties that come with leaving one’s comfort zone since such tales often teach us something pertinent about ourselves as they entertain us and recently, I took the time to revisit a film that meets one half of that criteria in, 21.
 
Now in this particular tale, we are introduced to a brilliant student at MIT named Ben, who is working hard to establish a future for himself. For Ben, wants to become a doctor, and he has done everything within his power to take the necessary steps to get into Harvard Medical School. He’s got amazing grades, and he can definitely handle the pressure, but the only obstacle toward achieving his goal is that he cannot afford the school’s staggering tuition, at least…not until a unique opportunity arrives. For one of his teachers has come to realize that Ben and his incredible brain might be able to help with an after-school group project, one that involves making boatloads of cash counting cards in Las Vegas and Jim’s decision to join up to pay his tuition, is about to make his life extremely interesting…   

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So, I made mention of the fact that this particular film only meets some of the exploratory criteria regarding stepping out of one’s comfort zone and really, most of that is handled by way of Ben’s journey early on in the film since Ben quickly comes to relish the ability to lead two different lives. For on the weekends, he’s a high roller that people admire and adore in Vegas and during the week, he’s an invisible student dedicated to only his studies and it is so intriguing to watch him crave the rush and the power that comes with the ability to become two different people on a moment’s notice and this segment of the story really is a unique look at how tough it is to juggle two different worlds since Ben does struggle to keep his two lives separate at times.
 
But what truly makes this movie so incredibly fascinating, is the sheer fact that it offers little up to the audience from a philosophical standpoint on this matter because at its heart, 21 is a heist flick through and through. For Jim and his new friends work hard to grab all the cash they can from the casinos they play at, and the wonder and power of greed definitely come into play for everyone involved, immersing Ben and his friends into a strange world they don’t fully understand since where they come from, intellect is king, and treachery and double crossing and desperation are elements they simply don’t know. But they are quickly forced into learning how to deal with such matters and this fascinating duality is something that brings me back to this film time and time again.
 
For while everything in this film seems as though it is fluffy and messy, everything does tie together nicely on screen, and there’s a lot to chew upon when all is said and done. Because the world these characters inhabit is simply fascinating to say the least, and the lack of exposition on their choice and desire to be different people leaves one’s mind pondering upon their intentions long after the movie has come to a close. And really…you can’t go wrong with a Vegas heist flick and this one offers up a non-traditional robbery which makes it refreshing in its own right and if by chance you haven’t seen this one, please do. It’s simply a fun film that does a fine job of pulling you in, and while you won’t walk away with any deeper meaning, that’s okay, because this motion picture is all about entertaining you and it really does accomplish that particular mission.

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