REVIEW: Murphy returns to the big screen
Seeing Eddie Murphy on the big screen again was quite a treat, but compared to other heist-like movies, “Tower Heist” was slightly bland.
“Tower Heist” is a mystery-thriller with the same feel as the Oceans films. It is centered on a small group of men that work for rich man Arthur Shaw, who appears to be their friend.
Shaw owns several properties across the world, including the apartment complex the main characters work in. They invest a lot of their money with him in hopes he will turn it into something better. With that trust, they fall for Shaw’s conniving and secretive scheme.
When they realize Shaw (Alan Alda) is not who he says he is, the plotting begins. The hard-working men cleverly find a way to get their money back by planning to rob Shaw of everything he has. They are amateurs who have never stolen anything in their lives.
To get away with it, Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller), Mr. Fitzhugh (Matthew Broderick), Enrique (Michael Pena) and Charlie (Casey Affleck) higher Slide (Eddie Murphy). Slide is an ex-con who they have to bail out of jail first.
With the little knowledge they possess and even risking their lives, they are able to construct a plan to rob Shaw.
“Tower Heist” was clever. I will give it that, but when I think of how far movies have come, it’s just another movie that will not stand out. However, it is family friendly. There is nothing that will compromise a youngling’s innocence if they watched this film. It might make them want to steal something, but other than that, it can be enjoyed by a broad audience.
The best part of the movie was the all-star cast. It was fun seeing such a diverse group of actors that have come from so many different roles. This is one of the reasons I was motivated to see this film. I wanted to see what these actors have been doing with their lives since the last time I saw them.
I have to be honest, when it comes to Matthew Broderick the only thing that comes to mind is “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Granted, this is one of my favorite movies of all time, but since then, Broderick hasn’t done anything worth mentioning.
“Tower Heist” is probably the biggest film he has done in years, and that isn’t saying much. Let’s face it, “Tower Heist” isn’t going to bring in the big bucks like the Harry Potter or Twilight movies.
When I think of Eddie Murphy, I think of “Dr. Doolittle.” Murphy has always been well known for his quick adaptation to many roles — a lot of time those being within the same flick. It has been too long since he has come back to the big screen.
Knowing Murphy’s reputation, I thought it would be more ridiculous, but his character Slide was well portrayed. Murphy played a small-time criminal that didn’t mess around. I was surprised. It was interesting to see him play a grown-up role.
Ben Stiller has been in the movie-making business for years. With his roles in “Night at the Museum” and “Little Fockers,” he has made a name for himself. Unfortunately, he will never escape “Zoolander,” a classic, don’t get me wrong, but from a professional view, not his best work.
Stiller has played many roles, but they each usually have a light-hearted feel. I would like to see him do a dark drama.
Overall, each character had something to offer. Without any special graphics or interesting cinematography, “Tower Heist” had to rely on a clever plot and funny dialogue.
“Tower Heist” was clever, but not as impressive as comparable movies, such as the Oceans trilogy; but it had a little something to offer. I would not pick this movie to see opening night. It’s worth seeing at least once for the sake of Eddie Murphy.
– Anike Pullens is a senior majoring in public relations and minoring in theatre and speech. Her reviews run every other Friday. She enjoys movies any day of the week, of any genre. She can be contacted at anike.pullens@aggiemail.usu.edu