21

The theme of coolness definitely seemed to be the main objective in Robert Luketic's high energy 21. I actually saw this almost a year ago today when it was first released. I bought the DVD when it came out (I think it even came with a nifty deck of cards), and watched it again upon buying it. I kind of remember liking it better when I had first seen it on the big screen, so after this one viewing of the DVD I decided to put it back on my shelf. And on my DVD shelf it sat, until last night. :)

21 is the based on the true story tale of a group of MIT students who decide to live out their every fantasies by counting cards in Las Vegas on the weekends. What starts as an almost hobby though, soon becomes an addiction that's hard to quit.

Ben Campbell, a young hopefully trained doctor, decides to take up this unique opportunity to suffice his needing of cash to pay for his schooling at Harvard. He's smart, and has everything going for him...well, except that he needs his tuition cost.

This time when watching it, I enjoyed it again. It's an ultra cool, slick look at life living out the high rollers every dream.

I think what I like most about 21 is this sense of friendship and an almost family between these few students. Maybe it's my own wanting to put myself in their group that I identify with? Who knows. I doubt I could really cut it as a card counter anyway. ;)

Jim Sturgess is more then nice to look at, and gives a very honest portrayal of Ben. I quite liked Kate Bosworth too in her role. Kevin Spacey adds his own charm as usual, but nothing really else. This role seemed easy for him. Same goes for Laurence Fishburne too. The two standouts for me are Liza Lapira and Aaron Yoo (you may recognize him from Disturbia). They are fun, witty, and looked as if they were truly having the times of their lives.

Is this the most amazing film I have ever seen? No, and yes, it does sort of run on the slow side at times. But it is a fun entertaining film, with a killer soundtrack. I give it a 7/10.

The DVD features include a few featurettes and a filmmaker commentary. This film is rated PG-13 and runs 123 minutes.

In The Cut

So, in my vast attempt to watch every single DVD that I own in possession (and believe me, it's quite a lot), I decided to put on In The Cut last night. I really wasn't expecting too much, I bought it for like 2 bucks at Big Lots one rainy afternoon, and the story seemed kind of bland. The DVD box makes it seem like just another erotic thriller...but, I thought I would give it a chance anyway. And, like I said it's in my collection, so I decided to watch it.

I must admit, I was quite surprised at what I got. From the very opening, this seemed like something different. Instead of entertainment values, this was starting to look like a modern art piece. And that's really what it is. It kind of gets under your skin. And you just can't seem to look away. It's intoxicating, really. The poetry on the subway was a nice touch. And the shots of her parents ice skating in Central Park gave an interesting take.

The essential story is about a teacher (Meg Ryan) who watches this couple one night, and then somehow finds herself amongst a serial killer's line of contact. She then becomes involved with the detective working on the case (Mark Ruffalo).

I think the real beauty of this film is that we can never quite figure all these characters out. It's like, I cannot see how she would want to be with this guy, but then again, I cannot see how she wouldn't. Does that make sense?? Well, hopefully you all get the idea. ;)

While it's not the most brilliant film I have ever seen, I will definitely give it props for quite possibly being the best 2 dollar DVD investment I have made to this date. Very intoxicating, and in my mind worth the two hours spent in viewing it. I give it a 8/10.

This film is rated R and runs 119 minutes.

Happy viewing everyone! =)

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Last Monday I was actually lucky enough to get to attend a screening of this delightful filmed followed by a Q&A with Penelope Cruz.

Now first of all I really do love this film. It's a feel good light-hearted tale that allows us all to partake in our own little adventures through this gorgeous art filled place in Spain. I feel all the actors are splendid, the locations are more then gorgeous, and the story is fun and entertaining. The views these two girls have on life and love is more then entertaining. And just the whole feel of the film is very warm and comforting to me.

For a fun adventure through the beautiful Barcelona, I highly recommend Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

And the Q&A with Miss Cruz as more then inspiring. She really is an amazing person, and had some great stories to share about Woody Allen.

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem, and Penelope Cruz
Directed By: Woody Allen
Runs 96 minutes

I give it an 8/10.

Happy viewing everyone! =)