Motivations are a problem in this film, as in misplaced and not likely. This leads to his firing, and as revenge he plots to steal cash reserves he knows are in the rich man’s apartment, recruiting Enrique, Charlie, Fitzhugh and a petty criminal named Slide (Eddie Murphy) as his cohorts. ![]() When it is learned that Shaw had blown the employee pension fund and Lester’s savings as part of his crimes, manager Kovacs takes matters in his own hands by smashing a prized antique car in Shaw’s apartment. Fitzhugh (Matthew Broderick) is being foreclosed upon. The current society is showcased through this condo enclave, as Shaw is convicted of securities fraud, while a neighbor named Mr. Gang’s All Here, L-R: Ben Stiller, Matthew Broderick, Michael Peña, Casey Affleck and Eddie Murphy in ‘Tower Heist’ One of the richest residents of the complex is Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda), an investment schemer who often talks down to the staff. He directs a staff of loyal employees, including concierge Charlie (Casey Affleck), doorman Lester (Stephen Henderson), elevator attendant Enrique (Michael Peña) and service maid Odessa (Gabourey Sidibe). Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) is a concerned manager of a posh luxury condo building, one of the most expensive in New York City. It attempts to make a statement about the working class versus the wealthy, but ends up diluting it in a heist plot that could only happen in the parallel universe of moviedom. “Tower Heist” is the latest example of this sad trend.īilled as a comedy, “Tower Heist” has hardly any laughs in it, close to none, and waste the talents of Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy (awkwardly reverting back to his 1980s persona) and even “Precious” star Gabourey Sidibe. (Sorry to end on that pun.CHICAGO – The frustrating madness that is the typical Hollywood movie never ceases to amaze, in the sense where large sums of cash are outlaid to pair the right movie stars together, and not one wit is expended to create an interesting or cohesive story. A film that’s funny to the point of being criminal. Ultimately, the result is a worthwhile comedy that is sure to end up on the list of classics alongside films such as “Sister Act” and the “Naked Gun” trilogy. It provided us characters that are endearing and easy to care about. It kept a nice, consistent blend of action, comedy and drama. Overall, I had a wonderful time while watching this film. Again, though, it kept the connection subdued, only mentioning it when necessary. It also didn’t jump all the way to the holiday that most companies are keen to acknowledge (Christmas), but instead acknowledged Thanksgiving. Such subtlety hasn’t been seen in comedies for quite a while.Īnother thing that I liked was that while most films released at this time of year try to milk the holiday season, “Tower Heist” kept it subtle, only mentioning how it ties to the whole heist. While there were innuendos here and there, the jokes were tasteful without being uptight. What I also liked about this film is that it didn’t go the route of the recent string of raunchy comedies that have been over-saturating the box office as of late. Since this is a heist movie, it doesn’t inject the elements of action and mystery into the film, which included material that would be deemed spoilers. It’s not all black and white with this film either. It uses misfortune to endear you to the characters. It just doesn’t bum you out with all the bad stuff that happens to the characters. This doesn’t mean that this film is a dark comedy. ![]() Instead, “Tower Heist” keeps the comedy consistent in the sense that you find yourself laughing as the drama unfolds. Thankfully this film did not fall prey to the Adam Sandler formula in which comedy is at the beginning and the end with the out-of-place drama in the middle. When it’s revealed that Shaw is responsible for investing the money for the staff’s collective pension, Kovacs, along with two other staffers and one recently evicted tenant (played by Casey Affleck, Michael Peña and Matthew Broderick respectively), team up with a petty thief (Eddie Murphy) to raid Shaw’s apartment to steal back the money. One of the wealthiest tenants, a Bernie Madoff allegory named Arthur Shaw (played by veteran actor Alan Alda), is arrested when he’s found guilty of securities fraud. It is a place where only the rich and famous can afford to live. “Tower Heist” follows the life of Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller), the manager of an upscale apartment building. Ben Stiller (left) and Eddie Murphy headline the action-comedy "Tower Heist." (Universal Pictures) The appeal of this celluloid walk on the wild side is undeniable, but what if a group of regular people decided to try it? That’s what today’s subject strives to answer. ![]() The one genre where we root for the criminals, often following an all-star gang going in for one last big score.
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