Tower Heist

TOWER HEIST (2011) - Nov. 5, 2011
Probably one of Brett Ratner's better movies of late (or ever, not that that particularly takes much, though I don't have quite the same level of hatred for Ratner that many seem to), this was an enjoyable heist movie about a group of workers who decide to steal the secret stash of a Bernie Madoff-esque swindler.  Featuring solid direction from Ratner and good performances from people like Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller and an enjoyably smarmy Alan Alda, the film doesn't particularly add up to much, but I can certainly think of worse ways to spend 104 minutes.  The movie does drag a bit in the more episodic midsection, but it recovers nicely with a surprisingly engaging heist sequence.  ***