In this film based on Ben Mezrich's book BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, M.I.T. student Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE) decides to pay for his pricey education by beating... more
This review already contains more than 120 words. As a Ciao member you could earn up to £5 with this review.
all, it was his band, his songs, and his voice. However, since illness and a preference for painting has forced the good Captain into retirement, the existence of a Magic Band is a moot point upon hearing 21st Century Mirror Men. A document of their breathtaking live shows, this is as close as we can hope to get to the fabled shows of yesteryear. John "Drumbo" French provides an excellent approximation of Beefheart's growl, and the band (including key Magic Band members Rockette Morton and Feelers Reedo/Walla-Walla) are tight, but with a subtle update to the sound, smoothing away some of the rough edges but still sounding as vital as a legendary band should do. Many of the songs are redone as instrumentals (presumably the Herculean effort of simultaneously drumming and singing something as seemingly arrhythmic as "Veterans Day Poppy" is beyond human endeavor), but even so, the exposure of the song's instrumental parts- as intricately locked as a Chinese puzzle- can only bring further respect for the band. Look on this not as a revival but a loving tribute, and reap the rewards. --Thom Allott
the late 90's, co-hosted by Donnie McClurkin, Vickie Winans and Israel Houghton. This years Stellar Awards CD will consist of 2006 Stellar Award performances from such Stellar Award winning artists as Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams and many more from the stage of the historic Grand Ole Opry. A Bonus "All Access" DVD will be included in the CD packaging, giving the consumer a behind the sc ... [view complete description on our website]
Advantages: Good storyline, good actors, great film. Disadvantages: Not too keen on the music.
...The House' by Ben Mezrich, 21 seemed to me at first to be another boring film that Columbia Pictures have dished out. I thought it would be unforgettable and I wouldn't even want to do a review on it. However, about 20 minutes into the film I began to be pulled in. This is why. The Outline Plot
Ben Campbell is an MIT student who wants to go to Harvard on a scholarship, however he is just one of around 70 people applying for this same scholarship, ... ...to write an essay or tell him something that 'dazzles' him. So Ben goes into the story of something that happened in his past. The Inside Plot
When Mickey Rosa, Ben's Non Linear Equations teacher notices that Ben has an incredible gift he brings him into an after hours card counting session and eventually go to Las Vegas to count cards in Blackjack. Ben is reluctant at first, but with the fact that Harvard's tuition is $300,000 he needs to ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Actor(s): Jim Sturgess, Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth
Director(s): Robert Luketic
Genre: Drama
Classification: 12 years and over
Production Year: 2008
Official Website: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/21/
Consumer Advice: Contains moderate violence and sex references
Video Category: Feature Film
Country Of Origin: United States of America
Plot: M.I.T. student Ben Campbell decides to pay for his pricey education by beating the odds in Vegas. Ben and his team count cards in blackjack, but soon they have to answer to the house for their huge winnings.
Release details
DVD Region: Region B
Studio(s): SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Languages
Main Language: English
DVD Description
In this film based on Ben Mezrich's book BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, M.I.T. student Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE) decides to pay for his pricey education by beating the odds in Vegas. Ben and his team count cards in blackjack, but soon they have to answer to the house for their huge winnings. Oscar winner Kevin Spacey stars as the students' mentor.
Technical information
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound: Dolby Digital
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since : 07/03/2008
Professional reviews
Review: The OCEAN'S ELEVEN: THE COLLEGE YEARS makes for a breezy good time (Empire, 28/03/2008)
