Tower Heist (2011) Dir. Brett Ratner

PG -13 104mins.


Funny. Not knee-slappin, piss your pants, hee-haw funny,but funny. and quite enjoyable. I find Ben Stiller pretty reliable in his humorous ability, and Tower Heist is no exception.

It appears Eddie Murphy may be beginning his ascent from the dismal shit abyss his career's been in lately (Dreamgirls and the Shreck movies being the exception) Look at his last few attempts; Meet Dave, Norbit, Haunted Mansion. How the mighty (Axel Foley, please come back) have fallen. But Tower Heist is not his movie, it's Stiller's. Stiller can hold his own, and carry a picture, Murphy, I'm sad to say, can not. But that's maybe why Eddie's character (the "career criminal") works. In a supporting role, not a lead.

Eddie's in good company too. Casey Affleck is an employee of the Tower under Stiller's management, and a reluctant partner in the heist. Now let me say this; Ben Affleck is a tool. Other than his small role in Good Will Hunting (awesome movie), I've never been able to take him seriously. He's not a horrible actor, I just don't like the guy. Now let me also say this; Ben Affleck is an incredible director. You need to go watch Gone Baby Gone (also starring kid brother Casey), and The Town. Fantastic movies. I'd be quite happy with Ben staying behind the camera, instead of showing his face in front of it. I think his brother is the more talented thespian. The afore mentioned Gone Baby Gone and The Assassination of Jesse James are good examples of his work.

Matthew Broderick, Michael Pena, and Alan Alda round out the main male cast.

Alan Alda I grew up with. Watching Hawkeye pierce (M.A.S.H.) operate on the military wounded from the comfort of our living room couch. He's believable as the "wealthy tycoon who never forgot where he came from" to the "piece of human garbage exploiting those under him for financial gain" type guy.

Michael Pena (also along for the heist) has proven he's adept at serious drama or comedy. (See The Lucky Ones and/or Observe and Report)

Then there's Matthew Broderick. I have about as much use for this monotone minion as Ben Affleck. Lt. Cmdr. Data has more emotional range than this guy (that's a Star Trek reference for those of you not in the know) *insert Star Trek plug here.

Gabourey Sidibe (precious), and Téa Leoni (pronounced TAH-uh) plays the sympathetic FBI agent interested in Stiller’s character. Leoni (45) is still lookin’ good. And considering she was married (now separated) to David (admitted sex-aholic) Duchovny, she’s probably a little tired.

Trivia; Leoni was considered for the role of “Rachel” on Friends.

On a final side note, Brett Ratner was assigned the role of directing the Oscars this year but stepped down after receiving obvious heat for his “rehersals are for f*gs” comment. Duh. Eddie Murphy, who was scheduled to host the awards, also walked away after Ratner left.

This was a highly enjoyable film and well worth a watch. Rent it.