21 — Columbia Pictures

Based on true life events, dramatized for effect, 21 centers around six M-I-T students who are trained by their professor, played by Kevin Spacey, to count cards.  They take their extra curricular activity to Las Vegas, where math plays a major role in making millions.  And, may drown these kids in danger.

Kevin Spacey is a perfect fit for the M-I-T professor without scruples.  But, while his performance is stellar, it’s Jim Sturgess who’s getting raves as the student most focused on in the film.

You may remember him from Across the Universe?  No?  Didn’t see it?  Oh, well.  21 is much more palpable than that inspired drug trip, anyway.

But, this isn’t a review about Across the Universe.  So, back to 21, which won’t wow you, but will engage you enough to leave feeling like you got something more than just passive entertainment.

Stop Loss — Paramount Pictures

Even less passive is the Iraq War dram — Stop Loss — a film that wears its war stance on its sleeve.

The often under-rated Ryan Philippe stars as a soldier fresh off a tour in Iraq.  His future looks bright, until a sort of military loophole allows the military to call him up immediately for another tour in Iraq.  Philippe’s character refuses, creating the tension for the movie.

Kimberly Peirce directs.  She’s also the director behind 2000’s Boys Don’t Cry, so she’s no stranger to controversy.  And, she doesn’t seem to be trying to avoid it in any way shape or form with Stop Loss.

With presidential campaigns underway, the five years anniversary of the war and continuing outcries over it, this film is well timed.  It’s easier, as an audience, to get into the film because you can relate, knowing what’s going on in real life now as a story inspired by it plays out on the screen.

21 could be considered Ocean’s Eleven for the teen set.  But, it’s not juvenile.  I say see it in the theater, as it’s a thinking movie with enough excitement to keep you riveted.

Stop Loss is also a thinking movie, which I think is worth a look on the big screen.  Just be ready for a biased tale, which will either anger you into action or confirm your stance on the Iraq War.