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.

Crossing Over Review

Wow. I have truly found my favorite film of 2009. I went to an advanced screening of it last night, and it is still all I can think about. It truly affected me in quite a powerful way.

Yes, this film i am speaking of is Crossing Over. No, it's not about that guy who talks to the dead. ;) Instead, it's a powerful collection of little stories that make up a bigger picture, yes much like that of the amazing Crash. And the theme? Immigration in Los Angeles.

Harrison Ford plays immigration officer Max Brogan. Max is the exact person we all hope to be working on this side of the force. He is compassionate, but still gets the job done. Most of his story is spent trying to right a mistake he may have made early on in this film. He's quest for justice and truth is very admirable. I found myself being quite moved by his character. He brings light in the darkness.

His partner Hamid, played by the always amazing Cliff Curtis, gives a slightly different approach to things, although towards the end, we see his compassionate side as well. His battle with family and doing the right thing is beautifully portrayed.

Ashley Judd as the Immigration Lawyer is also a shed of light amongst all this darkness and sadness.

Her husband, however, is not so much on this quest for righteousness. He, played by Ray Liotta, gives an all new meaning to the word sleazy.

The most tragic of these tales, is most definitely the one involving a Muslim family. It's just brutally wrong what happens to this young 15 year old Islam girl. It will break your heart. Ttruly.

The story of the young Australian actress is not much better. Her desperation soon becomes all too depressing. Her only light comes from a young Jewish man also trying to find his way. He is played with amazing charm by Jim Sturgess. We can't help but love this guy on his trek to stay in this country.

I could press on with the story, but, I think the best way to truly enjoy this amazing film is to go in not knowing a whole lot about it. It will move you, and haunt you. And this is why it is my ultimate top film choice, thus far, in 2009. Wayne Kramer has given us a truly unique gift of cinema. And I absolutely loved every minute of it. I'm hoping to try and catch it again when it opens in limited release this Friday, 27th of February, 2009. I give it a 9/10. This film is rated R.

Happy viewing everyone! =)