The 21 (film)

21 is a 2008 American heist drama film directed by Robert Luketic. It is based on the non-fiction book Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich, which chronicles the story of the MIT Blackjack Team.

The film stars Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne, and Aaron Yoo. It follows Ben Campbell (Sturgess), an MIT student who is recruited by his mathematics professor, Micky Rosa (Spacey), to join a blackjack team. The team uses card counting techniques to win large sums of money at Las Vegas casinos.

As Ben becomes more involved with the team and the allure of easy money, he faces ethical dilemmas and risks losing himself in the process. The film explores themes of greed, ambition, and the consequences of making questionable choices.

21 received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the performances and the fast-paced storyline, while others criticized its departures from the original book and its perceived Hollywoodization of the story. Despite the mixed reception, the film was a box office success.