Tower Heist

Those in the world who are badly done by like to dream of taking revenge on those who put them in that situation. Luckily we have Hollywood to help us enjoy what these schemes might look like.

The heist is one of the more interesting genres and one of those that can go both ways. A lot hinges on the scheme involved and the characters. Generally it must involve a very elaborate scheme. This film offers a fairly simple scheme and is all the better for it. While I could quite easily pick some of the smaller problems with it, it is a very sound idea. It does get a bit out of control and some of the final stages get silly. Despite this I was able to go along for the ride and really enjoy the film. As mentioned the characters have a lot to do with it. Our central character is a little bit bland but he surrounded by some more interesting people. They have some very funny characteristics which make the movie lots of fun.

I want to spend some time talking about Eddie Murphy. Eddie used to be a highly respected comedy actor who did many great films. Lately he his career has not been going too well and I can tell you it all came down to one bad decision, to make the film 'Norbit'.Aside from the fact that it is a bad film, there is the fact that it was released at the same time as members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were voting for him for his performance in 'Dreamgirls'. I am confident that members did not vote for him because of 'Norbit'. If he had of won then his career would have been a lot better than it had been. This film I think will go along way towards remedying the situation. He is very funny and is given the chance to be the kind of wacky character he used to play. Ben Stiller gives a good performance as an everyman type character. I did not think he was anything special. I always love to see Tea Leoni in films and she is delightful. Alan Alda plays a good villain but I think he could have been a bit more creepy and/or menacing. It is also great to see Gabourey Sidibe doing something light. She is quite funny too. Matthew Broderick nicely plays the nerdy character we have come to love him for.

It may not be the greatest but it is still a great fun caper movie. Worth seeing for a welcome return to form for Eddie Murphy.