This weekend 21 -- Robert Luketic's (Monster-in-Law, Legally Blond) take on some real-life MIT students who used their super-brains to become experts at card counting and take Vegas for millions -- hits theaters. Sounds like a good enough idea to us.
So what we're wondering is, do you have to have a nerd-sized noggin to bilk the big boys, or can any average Joe do it? Here is a list of a few of our favorite Vegas-inspired movies, and what they have to say about beating the house.
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RAIN MAN (1988)
What is it: A self-centered guy (Tom Cruise) takes his newly-discovered autistic older brother (Dustin Hoffman) on the road with him to Vegas to try to finagle his share of their father's inheritance.
The scam: Card counting at blackjack. Nobody ever suspects the autistic guy.
What you need to pull it off: A relative with a brain development disorder, off-the-charts math ability, and a penchant for People's Court.
Lesson learned: Money doesn't compare to love. Awwww....
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OCEAN'S ELEVEN (2001)
What is it: A rat-pack remake in which a bunch of fancy shysters (George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Elliott Gould, etc.) team up to rip off three Vegas casinos.
The scam: A high-tech, impossibly elaborate scheme to ... come to think of it, we still can't figure out what the hell they did.
What you need to pull it off: An impeccable wardrobe, Julia Roberts, and a short Asian acrobat.
Lesson learned: In the end, the house always wins. Except in this case. And in the sequels.
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CASINO (1995)
What is it: Scorsese's take on the rise and fall of Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a fictional '70s gambling handicapper called on by the Mob to run a big Vegas casino. Based on real people, naturally.
The scam: A bunch of Chicago wise guys descend on Vegas and run the Tangiers casino, scraping a healthy percentage off the top.
What you need to pull it off: Strong Mafia ties, a shiny gold suit and a short, hot-tempered Italian buddy.
Lesson learned: Don't piss off Joe Pesci.
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THE COOLER (2003)
What is it: A man with luck so bad it's contagious (William H. Macy) works off his gambling debts to the casino by 'cooling' gamblers' winning streaks so the house always wins. But when he meets a hot cocktail waitress (Maria Bello) with whom he wants to run away, his luck might change.
The scam: Casinos stack their decks by employing people with such bad juju that a mere look from them will guarantee your gambling loss.
What you need to pull it off: Your most depressed friend.
Lesson learned: Watching William H. Macy get nearly naked and have graphic sex with Maria Bello makes for uncomfortable watching with your in-laws.
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SWINGERS (1996)
What is it: Smooth-talking Trent (Vince Vaughn) tries to help his best friend Mike (Jon Favreau) get over a not-so-recent break-up by trotting him around to parties and clubs in LA and Vegas in this man-tastic indie take on the buddy film.
The scam: If you dress up, they'll give you free drinks, comp you, and put you at the high rollers' table.
What you need to pull it off: A naïve, loud-mouthed friend who doesn't realize that everyone gets free drinks at casinos.
Lesson learned: You will certainly not get lucky if you show the girl you picked up pictures of your ex-girlfriend while crying.
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BUGSY (1991)
What is it: Barry Levinson's take on Bugsy Siegel (Warren Beatty), the mobster who left New York behind to make Las Vegas what it is today.
The scam: Going way over budget on money lent from gangsters for casino construction, and then letting your girlfriend pocket the cut she stole.
What you need to pull it off: To join the mob and the ability to convince Harvey Keitel to keep his pants on while on film.
Lesson learned: Never trust a woman with your money.
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What's your favorite Vegas scam? Did we miss any? Add you comments below: