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Created Dec 01, 2011 08:00PM PST • Edited Dec 01, 2011 08:00PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   Boasting a well-balanced comedic cast, Tower Heist provides solid entertainment, with enough of a topical touch to make it a surprisingly pleasant film.

   Based in no small part by the recent criminal charges of Wall-street investors, Tower Heist focuses on a rich and snobbish investment guru (Alan Alda), who bilks the loyal employees of the luxury highrise he lives in, out of life savings and retirement funds. Desperate to regain their money, the tower workers hatch a bold plan to steal the money back, led by the disgraced director (Ben Stiller).

   While many ensemble cast type comedies can become a cat-fight of actors looking to upstage each other, Tower Heist manages to find a nice balance of performances and egos, adequately allowing the feel-good story of poor working stiffs stealing from the rich crook. Not high-brow by any stretch, the film still succeeds to telling an entertaining story, with enough plot twists to keep your attention.

4. Acting

   OK 2.5

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

   Ben Stiller leads the uprising as the disgraced director, who mistakenly trusts the wrong guy. He plays this role as more of the straight-guy to the antics of others. Solid job.

   Alan Alda shines as the sleazy tenant who seems based on Bernie Madoff. Just the right amount of snotty attitude, paired nicely with arrogance. The kind of villain you love to see embarrassed. Great performance.

   Eddie Murphy brings echoes of his character from 48 Hours to this film, giving a decent effort, even if its one we’ve enjoyed before.

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

   Tea Leoni is unremarkable in her role as the Special Agent investigating a crime.

7. Female Costars Barely OK 2.0

   Gabourey Sidibe plays a maid with a skill as a locksmith. Her faux Caribbean accent doesn’t impress me. Nor does her acting range.

8. Male Costars OK 2.5

   Matthew Broderick appears, looking old and out of shape, as a down-on-his luck tenant. He’s a far cry from his energetic days as Ferris Bueller.

   Casey Affleck fairs better as one of the employees who just seems to be a bit fuzzy on his role in the events.

10. Film

    Good 3.0

11. Direction Good 3.0

    Fresh enough to be interesting, without taking itself too seriously. A decent job on a decent film.

12. Play Good 3.0

    Moves along nicely. You know whats going to happen, and the film doesn’t waste your time trying for something more.

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.0

17. Sex Titillating 2.0

    Frank discussions about body parts. Crude remarks about anatomy.

18. Violence Fierce 1.7

19. Rudeness Salty 2.2

    not for little kids.

21. Reality

    Glib 1.8

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.6

    A fantasy film about trying to take back form the “white-collar” criminals who steal.

23. Biological Glib 1.8

24. Physical Glib 1.9