21 - the Movie Based on "Bringing Down The House"

First, let me say I was disappointed on a number of levels. I think the screenplay was its weakest feature. It didn't follow the book, it didn't develop the characters to a point where I cared if they won or lost, got caught or not, were ruined or made heroes.

I also think the casting was poor. The lead character ("Ben Campbell") was developed somewhat, but none of the others were AT ALL! The continuous prompting by the professor to show no emotion was meant for the Black Jack tables, but the actors took it literally throughout the film. The "love connection" was laughable; she looked way too old, uninteresting and uninterested 'til Blam, they're in love???? The supporting characters were unimportant, even the professor was a cartoon of the real man.

I did enjoy the shots of Las Vegas, but i can get that and better in a well produced documentary. But even in this, there is a huge problem; they often refer to the changing of the security measures (correct by the book) but all the shots were of today's Las Vegas. They missed that by thirty years!

The "catch phrase" of the movie is just stupid! Who says that??? And, who hides money the way he did???

Also, there were idiotic scenes that not only made no sense, but just could not happen... "I love a parade!" Can you believe that one? The "crooks" can't cash in their chips, so they get the strippers to do it ("it will look just like tips!") - oh brother... THEN, "the crooks" stand beside them as they cash in.... think the casino could put two and two together? - duh!

I really, really wanted to LOVE this film. I expect two thumbs down from the boys, and I give it a 2 star rating and I'm afraid that's generous!

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