Tower Heist - 7 stars out of 10

Tower Heist - 7 stars out of 10

"Tower Heist" is an entertaining comedy that focuses more on quirky characters than it focuses on the actual heist.  The film succeeds because of its strong actors and entertaining script.  Unlike "Meet the Parents" (in which I feel so sorry for his character that it's unpleasant), all of these characters will make you smile.  Alan Alda steals the show as the villainous Arthur Shaw, blurring the line between genuine nice guy and conniving criminal.  Another highlight is Tea Leoni as the spunky FBI agent.  I feel like FBI characters are often static and non-emotional, but Leoni gives her character a human side that you can connect with.  Stiller is funny, Eddie Murphy is even funnier, and Matthew Broderick is hysterical in his characterization of Mr. Fitzhugh.  I'm not sure if the scene with him hanging from the red Ferrari on the side of the building was intended as a reference to "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," but it made me chuckle.  I often find Casey Affleck to be "just alright," but his average-ness is emphasized by the inclusion of so many big names in this film (also including Gabourey Sidbe (a.k.a. Precious), and Judd Hirsch).  These actors can only do so much unless they have a good script, and I feel like this was a well-written comedy.  A lot of the jokes are sexual and hinder this from being a family film like "Night at the Museum," but it's a great comedy for adults.  Unlike "Ocean's Eleven," which focuses on the heist and character development, this film focuses on dialogue and jokes.  It certainly is not as good as the Ocean's series but it still entertains and will have you laughing from start to finish.