If you were hard up for cash and had to find $300,000 for medical school, what would you do? For Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess), the answer lies in Vegas. In “21″ the stakes are high and the rewards are even higher. Ben is a gifted MIT student who has a knack for numbers. When he is asked to join a group of his fellow students on a lucrative black jack team, he cannot help but accept. Where else was he going to get the money?

After undergoing rigorous training in order to learn their unique way of counting cards and practicing in shady, underground black jack clubs, Ben is ready for the big time.

Led by their coach, Professor Rosa (Kevin Spacey), the team heads to Las Vegas to beat the system and win thousands of dollars each night.

Slowly but surely the team takes the casinos by storm. Armed with multiple identities, each member has a role to play in the scheme. Ben takes a particular liking to fellow team member Jill Taylor (Kate Bosworth) and their feelings eventually lead her to seductively invite him up to a decadent hotel suite overlooking the beautiful Vegas skyline.

The views of Vegas are alluring from the very first glimpse. The camera shots are stunning and make the city look irresistible. Even the casinos are glamorized, showcasing beautiful women and outrageous rooftop parties.

With the money, there is no lack of parties, sex or status to keep Ben from returning week after week to sin city. His newfound desire for the high roller lifestyle eventually leads to the team’s downfall.

Ben gets caught up in his emotions and causes a big mishap that you wish he could take back. His way of rebounding from his mistakes is what creates an enthralling and creative ending to an already excellent storyline.

As for the characters, the plot focuses so much on the plan to take over Vegas that there is not much room for them to develop. Still, it has enough suspense and thrills to leave you satisfied, while providing an overwhelming desire to visit Las Vegas.

My money is on “21.”