Review of Tower Heist (2011) by João P — 07 Jul 2012

Brett Ratner directs this ensemble comedy that while current, never seems to deliver all of the laughs you would want. Ben Stiller stars as Josh Kovacs who is the building manager of an extremely high end residential tower in New York City.

The building is home to many extremely wealthy people including investment wiz Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda). But when Shaw is arrested for possibly running a large Ponzi scheme and put under house arrest, the building's staff become worried that their pension funds, which were invested with Shaw, have now gone up in smoke.

Kovac assembles a rag tag team including an ex-con former schoolmate (Eddie Murphy), his brother-in-law (Casey Affleck), a new employee who works the elevators (Michael Pena), one of the maid (Gabourey Sidibe) and a former tenant of the building (Matthew Broderick) to try and steal from Shaw.

The film does not have an extremely unique premise and does not provide any different look at the classic group caper film. The actors themselves don't have as great chemistry together nor do they seem to be having as much fun as say the gang in Ocean's 11 (a great heist film).

Eddie Murphy does return to form a bit and reminds the audience why at one point he was considered the biggest and best comedy star in the world. Sadly though, while the film does provide some laughs, it is very hit and miss.

It can hold your attention but it just never lives up to the promise of having all of these actors together.