'Tower Heist' is a Comical Caper With Occupy Wall Street Undertones

Ben Stiller plays an apartment building manager who, along with the other building staff members, gets ripped off by penthouse resident Arthur Shaw (played by Alan Alda).

When the employees realize they have been swindled, they plan their revenge in the form of a "Tower Heist".

After an FBI agent (played by Tea Leoni) leaks word about a large stash of cash in Shaw's apartment, Stiller's character hires Slide, a two-bit cat burglar played by Eddie Murphy, to plan the heist. When Murphy makes it on the screen, about 40 minutes in, the movie finally picks up.

Tower Heist spends the rest of its running time tracking the staff members (played by Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick, Michael Pena and Gabourey Sidibe) as they try to infiltrate the penthouse and locate the hidden millions. The movie is smart, streetwise and sassy — with most of that supplied by Eddie Murphy.

Director Brett Ratner does a great job of putting together a ensemble cast and giving a sort of Occupy Wall Street-feel to the movie. You want the 99 percent — the underdogs — to win, but do they? Find out for yourself.

The flick-o-meter gives Tower Heist a four out of five. It is good to see Murphy back doing what he does best, but I was hoping that it would be sooner than 40 minutes into the film.

Location:

Tower Heist can be found in our Smyrna-Vinings Patch at at 3101 Cobb Parkway. Daily Showtimes are at 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5 p.m.; 6:45 p.m.; 7:45 p.m.; 9:15 p.m.; 10:30 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.

After the Movie:

If you’re looking for entertainment a little more kid friendly and live, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. will be presented by the Theatre Project at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre this weekend.

If you live in a house with a would-be Belle, then you’ve seen the animated classic movie “Beauty and the Beast” more times than you can count, right? Treat your girls to a live version of the same without the crowds and expense of driving into the city. The show times are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and a Sunday matinee will be also be performed at 3 p.m.

Since the amphitheatre is obviously outdoors, dress accordingly for chilly weather after sundown. Attendees are encouraged to bring dinner and enjoy the alfresco show with the whole family. Tickets are $5; children 12 and younger are free.

Tables that seat four are available for $30. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 770-819-3285 or visit mablehouse.org. – Jennifer Duncan

Download the movie