THE MARKET: “21” goes into wide release on Friday, March 28, 2007. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety on March 30? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $15, for example, would be worth $39 if the movie grosses $39 million. Trading closes March 21 at 9 ET.

THE LOWDOWN: “21” is the kinda-sorta true story of a group of M.I.T. students who learn to count cards and take Vegas for millions, led by a crazy professor played by stalwart Kevin Spacey. Unfortunately it’s one of those stories where the trailer gives away almost everything – as brilliant but cash-strapped student Ben Campbell gets drawn in by the lure of money, the Vegas glitz, and of course a pretty girl. Unfortunately, card counting isn’t illegal, which will sap a little life from this suspense thriller. But Laurence Fishburne playing the role as a menacing casino enforcer should inject a little adrenaline into the proceedings. Will “21” cash in?

THE PR: Variety is going all in for this movie, with a rave review: “ ‘21’ is a better-than-even-money bet to be an important player in the spring B.O. tournament. [The movie] shrewdly shuffles together attractive young leads, cagey screen vets and a fantasy-fulfillment scenario in a slickly polished package that should appeal to anyone who’s ever dreamed of beating the odds.”


LEARN MORE:

See the “21” home page.



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