21
Performance & Direction: 21 Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is 21 (2008) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and 21 features a noteworthy lineup led by Jim Sturgess . Supported by the likes of Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: 21
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2008, 21 is a Drama, Crime film directed by Robert Luketic. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jim Sturgess.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Ben Campbell is a young, highly intelligent student at M.I.T. who strives to succeed. Wanting a scholarship to transfer to Harvard School of Medicine to become a doctor, Ben learns that he cannot afford the $300,000 tuition as he comes from a poor, working-class background. But one evening, Ben is introduced by his unorthodox math professor to a small but secretive club of five students, Jill, Choi, Kianna, and Fisher, who are being trained by Professor Rosa to count cards at blackjack. The screenplay takes time to develop Jim Sturgess's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Jim Sturgess's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: 21
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Robert Luketic, 21 concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Jim Sturgess, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of 21 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
21 Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
21 incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime film directed by Robert Luketic, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Jim Sturgess's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: 21 adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch 21?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jim Sturgess or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: 21
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $159.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
21 Budget
The estimated production budget for 21 is $35.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: 21
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch 21 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTube21 Parents Guide & Age Rating
2008 AdvisoryWondering about 21 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of 21 is 123 minutes (2h 3m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, 21 is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2008 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 21 worth watching?
21 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find 21 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for 21 identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of 21?
The total duration of 21 is 123 minutes, which is approximately 2h 3m long.
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Critic Reviews for 21
**21 intrigues with a fascinating true story, fast pace, and fun characters.** 21 entertains with its fast-paced story based on the real-life account of the MIT Blackjack Team, who tried their hand at counting cards in Vegas and won big. While 21 is not groundbreaking in its storytelling or execution, it's a fun and enjoyable film with a good twist and likable characters. This film sets itself apart from a typical heist movie in that card counting is not technically illegal. The characters weren't trying to escape police but casino enforcers with brass knuckles and examples to make. This relatively unknown cast surprised with its solid performances boosted by the film's great pacing and exciting story.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
