REVIEW: TOWER HEIST

3/5

Making a steal.

12A, 120 Minutes. Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Téa Leoni, Michael Peña, Gabourey Sidibe & Mel Brooks. Screenplay: Ted Griffin, Jeff Nathanson. Director: Brett Ratner

We've all thought of it at one time or another. Disgruntled employers who work for peanuts while their bosses get away with murder all love the fantasy of taking back from the bosses what they feel is rightfully theirs. This is the subject of 'Tower Heist', a new crime caper comedy were Ben Stiller et al seek revenge on horrible boss Alan Alda.

Stiller, Casey Affleck, Michael Peña and Gabourey Sidibe all work for Alan Alda in The Tower, New York. When things get bad legally for Alda, they all become victims, losing their pensions in the Ponzi scheme, so they decide to take revenge and rob their ex-boss for all their worth. To do this they enlist the help of career criminal Eddie Murphy, while bringing Matthew Broderick along for the ride, all whilst avoiding the law (led by Téa Leoni) and their manager Mel Brooks. This film is like a light, family-friendly (minus Eddie Murphy's 'Raw' mouth) 'Oceans 11'. Still much like Clooney's effort it's a real entertaining ride with twists, turns and surprises you don't see coming. It's a classic idea done for the modern age with charm and class.

Stiller leads this ensemble class with laughs and ease, it almost feels like a 'Night At The Museum', the way he brings everyone together. The legend Alda also makes for a classic villain, while Affleck and Peña are on fine form once again. As is Matthew Broderick-albeit looking a lot different-its been a real, long time since 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'. Still it's Murphy that brings the most laughs, looking a little older himself (it's been a long time since 'Beverley Hills Cop') it's great to see the family man doing something a little different from his kids movies, bringing his old self back. The rest of the cast makes for a great team too, Gabourey Sidibe makes the most of her precious time, while Téa Leoni plays a cop brilliantly in this pursuit of the gang and Mel Brooks brings more legend-power.

Filmed incredibly during the famous New York 'Macy's Day Parade' this picture is well done and looks great. Sure it's not as Brad Pitt glamours as knocking off casinos in Vegas but still it gets the job done. New York looks amazing on camera too thanks to Brett Ratner's brilliant direction. It's Stiller however that leads this picture to the money however, having us laughing all the way to the bank. Steal your self away this weekend to a great escape that has the makings of comedy gold. This is a stick-up, your money or your laughs. TIM DAVID HARVEY.