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21: Predictable, Generic Fun

BuzzSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:32:04 PDT

Well, it turns out this writer was right: you could absolutely review 21 based on the trailer alone. Having seen previews for this movie (or even having seen a cinematic work put out by Hollywood once or twice), the movie is predictable from start to finish. But you can also probably predict how you'll feel about 21 from the trailer. If it looks entertaining to you, that's because it is, with its glittery Vegas backdrop and good-looking cast. If it looks predictable and cheesy, well, it's that, too. The "twists" come at you a mile away and the themes (searching for a father figure, defining oneself not by wealth, etc., etc.) rain down on your head like a plague. But at the same time, it's a PG-13 movie clearly trying to appeal to a younger audience, and it probably will. It's going to be flashy and obvious. It's going to be fond of montages and driving music. For what it is, it's a pretty fun time.

Jim Sturgess plays the endearingly geeky genius MIT senior Ben Campbell, whose ability to attend the school of his dreams, Harvard Medical School, is blocked by a pesky little $300,000 tuition. When the shady Professor Rosa (a disappointingly one-note villain's performance by Kevin Spacey) discovers Ben's ability to do math under pressure and keep his cool, he folds Ben into his secret little card-counting operation. This business, as Mickey Rosa calls it, consists of five MIT students who work together to scheme Vegas casinos out of some major cash - using math. To see what else happens and more of my take on it,

At first, Ben is anxious about the whole thing, but of course, as he starts to succeed, it becomes easier and easier to enjoy the big money he's pocketing. Plus, "the prettiest girl at school," Jill Taylor (Kate Bosworth, in a mostly forgettable role) is involved in the scam, giving Ben further incentive. Thus, the geeks become the gangsters. Yet when Ben has a falling-out with Rosa, his newfound pompousness moves him to suggest the students continue without the teacher. Only thing they don't count on is a casino security head (Lawrence Fishburne) with his own bitter vendetta against Rosa and his little "business."

The movie is too long, has surprisingly little real action and lots of low moments that drag. There are, however, fast-paced montages (the Learning the Ropes montages, the Winning Big montages, the Spending Spree montages, the Generally Living the High Life montages) set to any number of the soundtrack's hipster tunes, and quick zooms onto cards and chips aplenty. Most of all, there is a fondness for the slow-motion. If I've learned anything from the movies, it's that you can take any group of average schlubs, make them walk toward the camera in a fan formation, employ some thumping bass and some slow-motion and suddenly it's Gangsta Paradise. This applies to MIT students, too, apparently. And yeah, it's generic. But it's fun, too.

To see the trailer and more clips from 21 check out movies.ivillage.com.

Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures

Watch, Pass, or Rent Video Movie Review: 21 Jump Street

Shannon Vestal — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:04:49 PDT

Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill go back to school this weekend in 21 Jump Street, but should you go along with them? Watch the video review to see whether we think you should watch, pass, or rent this buddy comedy.

21 Jump Street: You Have the Right to Laugh Out Loud

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:05:00 PDT

There's lots of action in 21 Jump Street - car chases, shootouts, two mismatched partners - but the real reason to see it is that it's side-splittingly funny from beginning to end. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill play Jenko and Schmidt, two relatively new cops whose incompetency lands them in an undercover program in high schools. Their assignment is to root out the dealers and suppliers of a dangerous new designer drug. As they spend more time in their new, younger identities, Jenko and Schmidt essentially switch high school personas. Former jock Jenko takes a foray into science with a clique of nerds, while Schmidt is welcomed into the unfamiliar world of the popular crowd. Tatum and Hill get lots of laughs from their nerd/popular kid juxtaposition, and their chemistry is the key to why 21 Jump Street is so entertaining.

The film is inspired by the TV series of the same name, but the new characters have little in common with the show's roster of officers (Johnny Depp's Tom Hanson would so not have approved of throwing a party for underage kids). The movie simply borrows the concept of undercover cops going back to school and runs with it into a hilarious, action-packed direction. Find out the other reasons I loved 21 Jump Street when you keep reading.

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BuzzSugar — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:30:48 PDT

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Channing and Jonah Crack Up and Party at SXSW For 21 Jump Street

Allie Merriam — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 07:52:00 PDT

Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill took their 21 Jump Street to the SXSW festival in Austin yesterday. The guys threw on their cop uniforms for an afternoon Q&A with their costars Rob Riggle and Dave Franco, and continued wearing the getups for a p.m. premiere and afterparty. Channing made the rounds with his wife Jenna Dewan. In our recent interview with the stars, Channing said he loves Jonah more than any other previous costar, except of course Jenna, who was his leading lady in Step Up. Reviews for 21 Jump Street so far are amazing, and we'll see if it's able to top reigning box office champ The Lorax this weekend.

Shirtless Channing Tatum Lets Loose With Jonah Hill in Australia

Katie Henry — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:17:14 PST

Shirtless Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill made a splash on Sydney's world famous Bondi Beach today. The 21 Jump Street stars are kicking off their international promotional tour and have plans to host a screening for their Australian fans tomorrow night. The film, opening March 16, is already getting rave reviews from critics in the States, and it's really no surprising since both Channing and Jonah are at the top of their game.

Channing's coming off The Vow's major box office success. The film earned the number one spot last weekend, broke records on Valentine's Day, and is currently poised to take the top slot for the second weekend in a row. Jonah, on the other hand, recently earned his first Oscar nomination for his supporting role in Moneyball - be sure to fill out our 2012 Oscars ballot for a chance to win an iPad 2 16GB WiFi and Prada case! The guys seem to be enjoying their trip Down Under, but they'll be back in LA in just a few short days so Jonah can prep for the Feb. 26 Academy Awards celebration.

Channing and Jenna Celebrate His Success With a Passionate Kiss

Katie Henry — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:27:37 PST

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan returned to the West Coast yesterday and shared a sweet kiss while waiting for their car outside of LAX. The pair spent a few days in NYC, where Jenna joined the crowds taking in the latest designs on the runway. She caught a presentation from Miu Miu and then joined Stacy Keibler and Bar Refaeli on the front row to check out Marchesa's Fall 2012 collection. Channing and Jenna's PDA is a routine sighting lately, and the pair have lots to be happy about. Channing's latest film, The Vow, took the top spot at the box office last weekend and earned an additional $11.6 million on Valentine's Day. His upcoming comedy 21 Jump Street is also getting early rave reviews. Channing shares the big screen with Jonah Hill in the buddy flick, due out March 16, which is loosely based on Johnny Depp's popular '80s TV show.

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Celebrate His Big Weekend With a Kiss

Lauren Turner — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:12:16 PST

Channing Tatum planted a sweet kiss on Jenna Dewan's nose while they waited for a flight at LAX yesterday. The couple were headed to NYC, where Jenna has already gotten in on the Fashion Week fun with a stop by Rachel Roy's presentation. It was a big weekend for Channing since his The Vow was number one at the box office after an impressive opening against Safe House and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. Jenna showed support for her man on Twitter, saying "And congrats to my love Channing Tatum on a RECORD BREAKING box office weekend! Amazing!" If you haven't seen the movie yet, make sure to check out reviews for The Vow! Channing will be back on the big screen next month, when his remake of 21 Jump Street with Jonah Hill hits theaters.

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