Tower Heist: A Timely Tale of Underdog Triumph
Initially conceived during the first wave of economic crisis, Tower Heist, a film about the triumph of disgruntled service workers over a Wall Street “fat cat,” arrives precisely at the onset of a new crisis and amidst a protest movement advocating for the occupation of Wall Street.
The manager of a Manhattan high-rise, home to bankers and wealthy Korean widows, enjoys online chess with a charming millionaire residing in the penthouse. He gently chides his absent-minded brother, who works at the reception desk, and sympathizes with the aging doorman, who has spent his life opening doors and is finally ready for retirement. One fateful morning, the charming millionaire is arrested for financial fraud. The building staff, who entrusted their pension savings to him, are left empty-handed, and the elderly doorman tragically takes his own life. The manager bears the brunt of the blame, as he was the one who convinced his colleagues to trust the scoundrel months prior. A sympathetic FBI agent suggests that not all is lost – specifically, the whereabouts of $20 million in cash that the arrestee had stashed away for a rainy day, which the manager suspects might be hidden in a secret safe within the penthouse.
Heist or Miss?
The initial reaction might be to accuse director Brett Ratner of being opportunistic. The film’s release coincides perfectly with current events.
However, Ratner is no Oliver Stone, nor is he a social commentator. He’s primarily an action director. The story of eleven Robin Hood-esque friends is likely just a plot to him, with its topicality being a pleasant but secondary consideration. In other words, for sharp social commentary, YouTube is a better bet. For a heist movie, Tower Heist is best enjoyed for the heist itself.
Unexpectedly Delightful
The “kick-ass” elements of the crime story are surprisingly well-executed by the former X-Men director. Ben Stiller effortlessly embodies the meticulous building manager who suddenly discovers his criminal inclinations. Casey Affleck shines as the cowardly strikebreaker who prematurely exits the plan but returns at just the right moment. Matthew Broderick is perfectly cast as a bankrupt “good” banker, resembling a sad-eyed Saint Bernard contemplating a career in prostitution. Gabourey Sidibe, known for her tear-jerking role in Precious, makes a brilliant comedic debut. However, Eddie Murphy’s heavily promoted participation is reduced to a few cameos. Tower Heist isn’t a secret bromance or a Rush Hour sequel. It’s a caper movie with a guest star.
Lacking Edge
While the film touches on social issues, it lacks overall sharpness. Ratner successfully evokes sympathy for his characters but fails to create genuine suspense for their future. A caper movie should get under your skin, but Ratner’s film mostly hits soft spots.
By staging a Thanksgiving Day parade with giant inflatable figures, the director seems to forget about the heist happening amidst the chaos. A red retro convertible with Eddie Murphy hanging off the side of the skyscraper is eye-catching, but who cares when there’s an inflatable Goofy and, heaven forbid, where’s Mickey Mouse?
A Balanced Blend
On the other hand, Ratner’s film offers a balanced mix of substance and spectacle. The likable cast, festive atmosphere, and charming scenes make the idea of seeing the hapless robbers reunited around a Christmas fireplace not so crazy after all.