It seems to me that movie trailers these days just give away too much. I’m talking major plot points, the funniest jokes, shots of their leading ladies in their underwear, all of it. I think a lot of people feel this way to a certain degree. Well, the other day I came across a trailer that seemed to elevate “giving shit away” into an art form. This trailer was for a movie called 21. As I am writing this, I have seen this trailer twice. Here’s the breakdown:

1. There’s this kid Ben who’s like Rain Man with numbers. Ben goes to MIT.
2. Kevin Spacey is his teacher.
3. Ben is hard up for cash.
4. Spacey teaches Ben and his friends (including Kate Bosworth) how to count cards.
5. This film is inspired by a true story.
6. They all fly to Vegas and make some serious bank.
7. Spacey doesn’t like to be called “dude.”
8. Hottie Kate makes a move on Ben.
9. Casino man Laurence Fishburne wises up and slaps Ben around.
10. Ben “isn’t the same guy he was back in Boston” aka now it’s personal.
11. Spacey turns out to be a dick.
12. Ben decides to man up and lead the team… and have sex with Kate.

I mean, isn’t this the whole movie? I feel like I should mail the studio my $11.50. I’m not saying I was gonna rush out and see it anyway, but if I was, damn! I would feel so cheated. All we’re missing is HAPPY or SAD for an ending. If memory serves, an example of a better trailer would be the one for No Country For Old Men. It gave you a taste of the characters and the setting and the tone, but close to nothing plot-wise. Back to 21, what’s with Spacey and Bosworth? They’re in everything together.