Director Brett Ratner assembles an impressive cast in Tower Heist Movie Review, but the movie’s premise is just too far-fetched to be truly funny. Still, the film has its moments and a likable cast of actors that helps keep it going.
The Cast
Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy team up for this heist comedy, set in a New York high rise tower block (actually filmed at the Trump International Hotel and Tower Columbus Circle). Manager Josh Kovacs and his staff – including a clueless expectant father concierge and a devastated old doorman – discover that their pensions along with those of their wealthy Wall Street employer were wiped out in a Ponzi scheme orchestrated by crook Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda). When he learns that Shaw has hidden cash and assets worth millions in his penthouse apartment, Josh hires small-time crooks to break into the building and steal the loot.
The Plot
Although the film has its fair share of plot holes, it is a fun ride and the solarmovie film never takes itself too seriously. While it won’t win any awards, this movie is a great way to spend a rainy day and will provide some laughs for the whole family.
Some of the jokes work, but others just fall flat – such as a ridiculous scene involving fitting a car into an elevator shaft. The heist itself is pretty far-fetched as well and the story gets lost at times in the action.
The Story
The acting is great, especially by the older members of the cast (Boderick and Stiller). Murphy in particular gives a terrific performance and seems to have found his niche again after a long drought. The rest of the cast is pretty solid too, though the character played by Michael McKinley Henderson is somewhat underdeveloped.
This movie isn’t perfect, but it does deliver what it promises and more. The Blu-ray release offers good picture and sound quality as well as a decent raft of extras. The extras include a scene specific audio commentary, deleted and alternate scenes and a making-of documentary. It is also available for digital download.
Reviews
Still, there are some enjoyable moments and a lot of laughter to be had here. This is a good, low budget action comedy that fans of Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller should enjoy. It is also worth checking out for Alan Alda’s slimy villain who ultimately gets his comeuppance.
The film is rated PG-13 and has some naughty language and some suggestive sexual references. For more information about the film visit the official website. You can also check out the Tower Heist Facebook page and Twitter feed. The film is out now and can be purchased from Amazon, iTunes and other retailers. To watch the movie trailer go to the video page. It is also available on Hulu. You can also see the film in 3D at select theaters. To see the list of theaters, click here.