21
RYAN: The new movie “21” is aptly titled because it’s all about blackjack.
CAROLINE: It stars Jim Sturgess, who just had a little part in “The Other Boleyn Girl” and was so awesome in “Across the Universe.”
RYAN: It co-stars the dual eye-colored Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne and Kevin Spacey in a welcome-back-to-acting performance.
CAROLINE: And then a lot of supporting actors who you’ll totally recognize. One girl was in “Cloverfield” and one of the guys was on “Sex and the City” as the college student, Sam Jones, who sleeps with Samantha and then becomes obsessed with her.
RYAN: I liked this movie. I was excited to see it based on the trailer, and I love that this movie surprised me by being better than the trailer and revealing much more than the trailer lets on.
CAROLINE: It has an interesting twist which neither of us saw coming. I especially didn’t see it coming, which isn’t unusual… but even you didn’t this time, and you always seem to know what’s going to happen next.
RYAN: Seriously though, Kate Bosworth looked atrocious throughout. She has one of the worst hairstyles on film in this movie.
CAROLINE: Oh my God, they gave her a middle part, a horrible haircut, a bad dye job and no bangs. And girlfriend needs bangs because she has a huge forehead. She also looks much better as a blonde.
RYAN: And those eyes! They’re, like, tri-colored or something nightmare inducing. But that usual suspect, Kevin Spacey, was great.
CAROLINE: I thought this was such a great role for him. He really hasn’t done that much lately, so it was a welcome return for him. He plays superior and condescending very well.
RYAN: Laurence Fishburne’s role is a little bit thankless in terms of its size. But he has some good impact. As for Jim Sturgess, I must declare I’m not a fan of his.
CAROLINE: He was so brilliant in “Across the Universe” and he did a decent American accent in this, but I agree that he didn’t really deliver in this role. I just never really felt the development of his character and I kept thinking that maybe they should have cast someone else.
RYAN: Like who?
CAROLINE: Hmm. Maybe Shia LeBeouf?
RYAN: Ooh! Indy Jr. That would have been good.
CAROLINE: This movie is based on a book, which is based on a true story of these M.I.T. students. It’s pretty crazy what they were able to get away with. Makes me want to learn how to count cards.
RYAN: There was some obnoxious product placement in this movie, which really irritated me. And the soundtrack wasn’t that great.
CAROLINE: Until Rihanna’s “Shut Up and Drive” piped in.
RYAN: That was awesome. I was dancing in my seat. And I really liked all the Vegas montages.
CAROLINE: Bottom line?
RYAN: It’s a good flick that I would recommend. It held my interest the entire time. I wouldn’t call it a great movie, but it’s fun.
CAROLINE: I definitely liked it too, though it had flaws, like the casting of Jim Sturgess. I so don’t mean that as a personal affront, Jim; I love you and I think you’re great. This just wasn’t the right role for you. But I really like the intensity and tension in the film. I got so nervous when they would go to Vegas and start their card counting routine. And I loved the disguises they wore. So much fun. I’d recommend this.
RYAN: Wait… Can I change my bottom line?
CAROLINE: Permission granted.
RYAN: Let’s go to Vegas!
CAROLINE: [laughs’ Dork.