Posted by | C.J. | in News, Random Posts of Randomness

If you’re anything like me you have sexy curves, legs that go on for days and silky smooth hair. Also, you’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of ‘21′, the film adaptation of Ben Mezrich’s above pictured book, Bringing Down The House. Now while this may not have a lot to do with sports betting per sey it’s about blackjack which takes place in a casino so I say close enough. Also, it’s my blog, so…I win. Now, a little backstory on this book which I actually assume most of you have read…

The book Bringing Down The House - about a group of MIT students who start a card counting team to rip off casinos for millions of dollars - is one I read a couple years back when it first came out. It was a fascinating read and I finished the book in a night (though, admitadly this was from a time when I finished a lot of books in one night). Anyway, I think I read it actually the day it hit stores because I recall quite distinctly reading in Variety THE NEXT DAY that Kevin Spacey had purchased the rights. Needless to say, I’ve been following this project’s gestation over the years from one mediocre director to another. There was a period of time where I thought it might not get made, but then Robert Luketic (of Legally Blonde fame) got a hold of it, changed the name to 21 and wah-lah…you have the trailer I’m linking to now: where the Asian kids became white, the professor becomes evil, Vegas becomes a bad blue screen and music of The Doors somehow becomes relevant to a generation of kids four decades removed. You do the math. Now, some quick things I’d like to kvetch about (you know, aside from them massacring a great book and turning it into a mediocre movie)…

FIRST: What’s the difference between Kate Bosworth and a vaccum cleaner with a picture of Kate Bosworth’s face taped to it’s handle? Nothing. They have exactly the same amount of range and elicit exactly the same emotional response from a viewer.

SECOND: Film makers who make films in Las Vegas should know that - I swear to god - the town is larger than just it’s most famous street. I hate hate hate when I see movies set in Vegas that take place solely on The Strip, as if one block in any other direction is nothing but desert. Also, locals don’t hang out on The Strip. Some of us work there, but we really don’t spend every waking hour there. Just like New Yorkers don’t spend their free time at the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building.

THIRD: Is there any statement more clice, more cloying, more gag inducing then the ultra awful “In Vegas…” lines such as “In Vegas, you can become anyone you want.” Uggggh. I can’t help but believe that’s so awful even Bosworth had to fight to say it with a straight face.

Now while I’ll reserve judgement of this movie until I see it, it’s safe to say the people who cut the trailer work with what they’re given. This book was Oscar caliber material and they put it in the hands of hacks (seriously, if you haven’t read it I suggest you check it out. Great book and a very quick read). I was very excited about this movie up until the time I saw the trailer. Anyway, with that said…

Here’s the trailer for ‘21′. Let me know what you think. On the trailer. The book. Bosworth. Whatever.