TOWER HEIST (Brett Ratner)

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You may not remember TOWER HEIST after seeing it, and in fact the first 30 minutes drags like there's no tomorrow (yes, I quite understand they do need to establish the scenario that led to the titular 'heist') but one thing you'll definitely love, aside from Matthew Broderick and Eddie Murphy's much-awaited big screen comeback, is the intense third act heist scene involving a red Ferrari, windows, and rope. 

Aside from being just a comedy caper, TOWER HEIST also acts as an effective social analysis. adding to  the seemingly perpetual cinematic portrayal of financial fraud in the U.S. Wall Street big guy runs away with millions from hapless working class people, the very same people who serve him everyday in his penthouse suit on Manhattan. Obviously, you'd expect payback. Who doesn't?

The ordinary tale of predator and prey becomes complex because the former, played by thespian Alan Alda plays it cool and relaxed, with hints of sarcasm, deceit and brewing evil. Ben Stiller, the prey (or the leader of them) maintains his ideals up until he is forced to take back what's theirs by whatever means necessary. The chess battles and references are also welcome. Chess is a mind game, a battle of wits. It is a great mirror of human psyche and conflict, of power struggle and ego analysis- Bergman used it in the now famous scene in THE SEVENTH SEAL, and Ritchie in REVOLVER. 

Tea Leoni looks good in action films. I suddenly missed BAD BOYS.

Eddie Murphy is insanely hilarious, channeling Axel Foley, only much badder. Gabourey Sidibe proves effective in comedy, the same way she compels in drama (remember PRECIOUS?).

For what it's worth, TOWER HEIST is a decent escapist comedy, not devoid of plot holes, but written and edited, directed and acted enough with fun and love for the material. Brett Ratner is back in form guys since RUSH HOUR!

RATING: 3/5

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