Tower Heist (2011)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  6 / 10

  Tower Heist provides a light comedic caper that feels more restricted than a bungalow. "Bungalow Heist" probably doesn't have the same ring to it (although I'd pay to see it!). This is a weird one to review. It's without a doubt Ratner's best film, which isn't exactly saying much. The infectiously entertaining heist is genuinely pleasing to watch, despite some ludicrous plot points that question the laws of physics. As a comedy though, it falls flatter than a golden car pummelling from the top of a towering skyscraper. After being fired from his job, a hotel general manager rallies up other fired colleagues to steal twenty million dollars from the hotel owner. That may sound like disgruntled unlikeable ex-employees wanting to seize the day, but there is more to it than that. A plot involving fraudulent behaviour and illegal activity, but heck who cares! We just want to see a charismatic ensemble cast steal some money, and we receive that for the most part. The first act attempts to inject some character development into the hotel employees, but feels rushed and somewhat too light. However the scenario that motivates the fired workers in committing the robbery felt realistic and added a subtle layer of humanity. Unfortunately that's all detracted once Murphy, who apparently made a great comeback in this, guides the unassuming into the world of crime. The dialogue lacks humour, there are no genuine laughs to be had and Murphy's character is simply used to preemptively conjure the "laughs". Fortunately though, the buoyant performances from Stiller, Broderick and Affleck prevent the story from becoming boring. Also nice to Leoni back on screen and not screaming "BEN!" through a megaphone. Disbelief must be suspended during certain scenes, particularly a ridiculously heavy car not weighing down an elevator or it miraculously flipping into a high rise apartment through the window. In the end, the light hearted aesthetic appeal that is bolstered by fun performances makes for an entertaining caper, disguising the sloppy execution by Ratner. Unexpectedly enjoyable.

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