Movie Night: 21
Click here for the H.Ed.G.E. Your Bets™ Movie Night Logic Model.

It is best to show the selected movie in a theater if possible. The classroom type chairs are not conducive to retention. Additionally, it is recommended that the person posing these questions and making comments watches the movie with the students so that the nuances of the film can be fresh in everyone's minds.

"21": Synopsis of the film.
In order to be accepted into Harvard School of Medicine, Ben Campbell will have to save $300,000 for the course. Only problem about this is the Ben can't get this amount of money. After being impressed by his skills in his Math's lesson, Prof. Micky Rosa invites Ben to become a member of a small group; a group who are planning to walk out of Vegas with millions, thanks to Ben's card counting.

Questions/Comments for students after viewing the movie "21":

1. What this movie is NOT:
   a. A good example of a typical college student problem gambling scenario.
   
2. What this movie IS:
   a. A glorification of gambling with, in the end, mostly positive consequences for the lead character and his friends.
   b. It is a good example of how LIES play a huge role in problem and pathological gambling.
3. The screenplay does differentiate between "gambling" and "counting cards" when Ben (the lead character) stops following the cues and commands of his "team" and loses a lot of money that wasn't his to lose.
4. Is Ben a problem gambler? Is he a pathological gambler?
   a. The answer is not cut and dry. He most closely resembles a problem gambler because the gambling does in fact cause him problems in his life, right?
   i. Problems: lets down friends, lies to his mother, gets a failing grade at school, gets beat up by Cole.
   ii. But the movie does not develop his character enough to know one critical point. Could he stop if he wanted to?
5. The money and power do get to him eventually.
6. Ben always has cards visible. This is a warning sign of a college student who is obsessing with gambling.
7. Ben thinks it's a means to an end. Is he a professional gambler? How does that compare to a problem or pathological gambler?
   a. He's a genius! And he is fictitious. Gambling for a living is not advisable.
8. Were there any other addictions shown in the film? Other problems?
   a. One guy kept stealing-even though he had lots of money to buy those things.
   b. Smoking
   c. Drinking
   d. Spending
9. What about the professor?
   a. He is pathological but by proxy. That isn't a true diagnosis, just my opinion.
   b. He couldn't play for fear he would get caught by Cole.
   c. He fed his addiction by using his students. In reality, this does not happen.
   d. He gets caught up in it again in the end.

Definitions:

The definition of Gambling is: The act of risking money, property, or something else of value on an activity with an uncertain outcome.

Problem Gambling occurs when gambling interferes with usual activities and responsibilities, and has other negative consequences.

Pathological Gambling is the most severe form of problem gambling. It is persistent, maladaptive gambling behavior that compromises, disrupts and damages personal, family or vocational pursuits leading to adverse consequences.

Professional Gamblers attempt to earn a living through disciplined use of their skills in gambling. Many would-be professional gamblers lose control and become problem gamblers. The bookie's occupation is illegal gambling operator, not professional gambler.