The Duster Today

Media Credit: Google Images Not all will be thrilled with message of "21".

You've seen them: The "Ocean" Series, "The Italian Job," and "The Thomas Crown Affair." These are all movies that glamorize stealing and the uncommon thief. Add the recent blackjack thriller "21" to the list. The film, which wowed audiences with its smart plot and ironic humor, is in a category of its own.

Jim Sturgess, recently seen in the musical "Across the Universe," plays Ben Campbell, a math whiz trying to make good. Harvard bound in every way except finances, he is struggling to make ends meet until he meets the right people. Micky, his math professor, notes his potential, just not for the typical use. Micky runs a gambling club, using other gifted math students to count cards in the game of blackjack.

At first, Campbell is hesitant, even initially refuses, stating that he's only here to cover his Harvard tuition. But the glamorous lifestyle soon consumes him. He becomes reckless and it begins to show in the way he plays his cards. He believes he has nothing to lose, until he loses everything.

"21" is a great film. It covers action, romance, comedy (how can you go wrong with Choi, the kleptomaniac), and is smart and savvy. The characters are complex and entertaining, and chase scenes adrenaline worthy. So good, in fact, that the audience is rooting for the bad guy from the beginning.

These movies have become increasingly popular through the past decade, with technology helping develop smarter and more cunning thieves. Audiences thrive on such films, me included. I love to watch movies about smart people outsmarting the man. But, what are these movies really teaching us? To root for the bad guy. The films never show the impact on the family that lost the gold bricks in "The Italian Job," or the loss of jobs after the casino is destroyed in "Oceans 13." While it is true that often these people deserve to have these items taken, is it really up to us to decide?

Writers can disguise what is right and wrong through good character development, if the character learns anything by the end of the movie. A good monologue can help, especially if that character has lost everything. But, I challenge you to think twice about the next movie you watch, and if the moral character is truly moral, or truly ambiguous.

Article Tools