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Tower Heist

Tower Heist (2011)

Nov 02, 2011 1h 44m Action Comedy

A luxury condo manager leads a staff of workers to seek payback on the Wall Street swindler who defrauded them. With only days until the billionaire gets away with the perfect crime, the unlikely crew of amateur thieves enlists the help of petty crook Slide to steal the $20 million they’re sure is hidden in the penthouse.

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Directed by Brett Ratner

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Brett Ratner
Producer
  • Brian Grazer
  • Eddie Murphy
  • Kim Roth

Reviews

Ibraheem...
8/10

A fabulous movie.
I know some would say it's stupid and empty of any sense. I say: I don't care I liked it very much and I've watched it seven times. It must be seen.

Oct 31, 2017

Peter89Spencer
9/10

I don't get why everybody hates this! Okay, Alan Alda's character showed his true colours little too soon, but the rest of the film paid homage to your 80s-90s comic caper. Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy were terrific.

And for me, this is a kind of film I would watch on Thanksgiving. It is a holiday special.

Nov 26, 2020

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Comedy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Tower Heist distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Brett Ratner brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Tower Heist took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $75.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 155 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2011, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Tower Heist shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Bucket List, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Tower Heist offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Shooter and Smokin' Aces explore similar territory, Tower Heist stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: November 2, 2011
  • Runtime: 1h 44m
  • Budget: $75,000,000
  • Revenue: $152,930,623

Where to Watch

Starz Apple TV Channel

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