Movie Reviews

21(2008)CR: * *1/2Directed by Robert Luketic Starring Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Spacey Columbia Pictures/Rated PG-13/Drama/123 min
Based on a true story, the screenplay follows a band of MIT mathletes in their journey to become card counters. The mission is to win millions from casinos by playing blackjack. Kevin Spacey appears as Mickey Rosa, the professor hatching the idea and recruiting the brightest students to join. Jim Sturgess portrays Ben Campbell, a member of the group and card counting genius who refuses to take orders. Bosworth plays a fellow team member and Campbell's girl. The heady experience of taking down the house is countered by an old school security man (Fishburne) who is serious about his work. While the film's appeal to college kids is a given, casting Fishburne and Spacey in the same movie is a high roller play we hope pays off.

RUN, FAT BOY, RUN(2007)CR: * *1/2Directed by David Schwimmer Starring Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton, Hank Azaria, Dylan Moran
Picturehouse/Rated PG-13/Comedy/99 minDennis, a British slacker with commitment phobia, is finally ready to commit to Libby (Newton). Five years earlier, Dennis left pregnant Libby at the altar, so he sets him up to compete against Whit (Azaria), a charming American who seems steady and kind. When Libby boasts that Whit is running a marathon, Dennis (Pegg) replies, "So could I," and the game is on. Having bet his savings on Dennis to win, best friend, Gordon (Moran), signs on as trainer, but he's even lazier than Dennis. Directed by "Friends'" David Schwimmer and well-received across the pond, the film's springtime US debut feels just right.

SUPERHERO MOVIE(2008)PR: * *1/2Directed by Craig Mazin
Starring Drake Bell, Leslie Nielsen, Sara Paxton, Christopher McDonald
Weinstein Co./Rated PG-13/Comedy/85 min
In a spoof of the "Spider-Man" films, Drake Bell plays high school loser Rick Riker. After being bitten by a genetically altered dragon fly, Rick crawls up buildings, hangs from the ceiling and grows guard hairs in the most unlikely places. Wearing an ultra tight, prone to tear, green latex suit, heroic Rick falls for lovely Jill (Paxton). Meanwhile, an experiment transforms Lou Landers (McDonald) into the evil "hourglass," devourer of life forces. With the popular Spidey currently on hiatus, fans may jump at a chance to revisit familiar stomping grounds through comedy. However, the satire better be good since competition for the PG-13 crowd is tighter than a superhero's costume.