Tower Heist is a comedic heist film that features an ensemble cast. The reason I was excited to see this one was mainly because I was hoping for a triumphant return to adult comedy by Eddie Murphy. I was also excited about the idea of Ben Stiller, Matthew Broderick, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Michael Peña and Alan Alda all acting in the same film. I’m happy to say that Mr. Murphy is back in full force in this film. He is back to swearing, face-making and laughing that unmistakable laugh that will remind you what a powerhouse he once was. Sadly the film itself is weak on story and plot. Luckily however the film chugs on at lightening speed and has such good acting and dialogue that you won’t have time to stop to contemplate how this heist could possibly be pulled off.
The story is about Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller), who manages a fancy building owned by a Madoff-like tycoon named Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda). He serves Shaw and takes excellent care of his building and all the tenants. We learn that Kovacs made the mistake of letting Shaw invest the pensions of all the workers in the building just as he finds out that Shaw is a total fraud. This kicks off the heist in the title. Kovacs gathers his band of merry men and a robber named Slide (Eddie Murphy) to assist in robbing Shaw of some hidden money.
The robbery ends going from routine to a special effects-filled and unrealistic undertaking. Despite this weakness the film remains entertaining due to the witty, humorous dialogue and the likeable actors. Aside from Eddie Murphy and the others I’ve listed, there are also excellent supporting performances by the always lovely Téa Leoni and Gabourey Sidibe.
*** 1/2 – 3 and half stars
Director – Brett Ratner
Filmic Brevity 