Tower Heist MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Afflect, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Tea Leoni. Comedy/action. Written by Ted Griffin, Jeff Nathanson. Directed by Brett Ratner.

FILM SYNOPSIS: After Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda), resident of an illustrious penthouse tower in New York City, pulls off a Ponzi scheme that robs many of their life savings, a group of his victims, including tower manager Josh Kovaks, form a crew to pull off a heist that will get their money back with interest.

PREVIEW REVIEW: We’re in for a lot of these movies. You know, the ones where Wall Street billionaires rip us off and we (well, some of “we”) get revenge. And maybe this is a good thing, as it is Hollywood reminding the nation that capitalism only works when not controlled by greed and avarice. On the other hand, a glut of these films may work in reverse, generating a sense of apathy, causing us to think there is nothing we can do to control Ponzi schemers.

As for this attempt at milking the Bernie Madoff syndrome, Tower Heist has its positives, but one major drawback. First, it’s a good blend of comedy and drama, with the entire cast proving their chops when it comes to timing and sensibility. I even liked the ending as it shows one person willing to sacrifice himself for the rights and needs of others.

My only real objection is that once again we have a film where our Lord’s name is tossed around blithely. Mostly, it’s the villain who profanes God’s and Christ’s name, but not all of the 10 profanities come from the antagonist. This verbal irreverence marred what otherwise would have been a nice comic fantasy about the good guys eventually besting the bad guys.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Universal