TOWER HEIST (2011) ***1/2 104 mins. D: Brett Ratner. Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda, Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick, Gabourey Sidibe, Michael Pena.
After losing their pensions to a wealthy business man's Ponzi scheme, the employees of the building he lives in plot to get their money back.
In what can easily be described as "Oceans-lite," this heist comedy is pretty entertaining. In many ways it's better than expected.
The film is very much an ensemble piece and fortunately they assemble a pretty good one. Everyone has their moment and they deliver the laughs, Eddie Murphy in particular. It's been ages since Murphy has played an amusing smart ass, street wise character that you remember he wasn't only known for those light and family friendly comedies of the last decade. He use to be sharp and funny. While in this vehicle he doesn't seem to get enough screen time but what time he does have is funny.
Despite the great cast and some funny moments, the film does suffer from a few unnecessary subplots that slow the film down. Still, it's entertaining overall and it's a welcome return, albeit a tease, to old school Eddie.
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