21 hits US box office jackpot
Story by Jack Foley
21, a new gambling drama produced by and co-starring Kevin Spacey, hit the jackpot at the American box office over the weekend (March 28-30, 2008), claiming the top spot and raking in more than expected.
The film, which stars emerging British star Jim Sturgess (of The Other Boleyn Girl fame), took an estimated $23.7 million in its opening three days, according to its delighted distributor Columbia Pictures.
Based on a true story, 21 follows the exploits of a team of college whizzes who conspire to count cards at blackjack tables in Las Vegas. In real-life, they made millions – but we won’t give away what happens in the film!
As well as Spacey, who plays their coach, and Sturgess, the talented ensemble cast includes Laurence Fishburne as an old-school casino heavy, and Kate Bosworth, as a love-interest and team member.
Columbia Pictures, a unit of Sony Corp, said the opening figure exceeded initial expectations and noted that it played strongly to viewers of every age – young and old, as well as male and female.
It knocked reigning box office champ, Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who, into second place after two weekends at No. 1 – although Fox’s animated smash, which is also No.1 in the UK, has already become the first release of 2008 to hit the century mark, with sales of $117.3 million to date.
21 opens in UK cinemas on Friday, April 11, and we’ll have a review and an interview with star and producer, Kevin Spacey. To whet your appetite, however, view the trailer