Movie Review: Tower Heist

Tower Heist

PG-13, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed By

Brett Ratner

Written By

Jeff Nathanson

Genres

Drama, Action & Adventure, Comedy

Main Actors: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick, Alan Alda, Tea Leoni

Easy on the eyes factor: 3. No hotness in this movie.

30 minute rule: Good light comedy to kick the movie off. Few Eddie Murphy rants and some witty dialogue between Stiller and Michael Pena, Casey Affleck, and Alan Alda.

Plot: Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy lead an all-star cast in Tower Heist, a comedy caper about working stiffs who seek revenge on the Wall Street swindler who stiffed them. After the workers at a luxury Central Park condominium discover the penthouse billionaire has stolen their retirement, they plot the ultimate revenge: a heist to reclaim what he took from them.

My Review: Tower Heist is a decent movie for those nights when you don't want something too heavy to watch. It's a lot of fun without trying. This Brettt Ratner directed film isn't too deep because it doesn't have to be. It's high level comedy, just enough to make you giggle, but not laugh out loud comedy like The Hangover or Horrible Bosses. And you watch and giggle all the way through. They made an attempt to put social commentary in the movie with a focus on Wall Street white collar crime. Which seems to be the target for most movies since the Obama Administration took over. A strong message of don't trust Wall Street. Don't trust bankers and investors. Don't trust corporate America. Lalalala. So instead of Occupying Wall Street, they plan to rob one of the criminals. I guess it's a good backdrop for a comedy. FBI agents get involved and it's played up around the Thanksgiving Macy's Day Parade.

Bottom line is that it's an enjoyable movie, but don't get me wrong, it's not a great. The real bonus is that Eddie Murphy is back and that's good to see. He's funny in almost every scene. I kept thinking, how would the movie be if he and Ben Stiller swapped roles. Eddie as the 'distinguished' hotel manager and Stiller as the petty thief. It was also good to see Matthew Broderick in a comedy again.

Rating 5.5 of 10 ♥♥♥♥♥