Tower Heist: A Standout Ensemble Heist Comedy
The film arrived on home media in exceptionally polished form, expanding the laughter of the big screen into a crisp, replayable experience. Eddie Murphy stands front and center, delivering a performance that blends swagger, wit, and a surprising warmth. Yet Tower Heist is not a one man show; the movie’s energy comes from a charismatic cast, a brisk rhythm, and a playful sense of mischief that makes the whole experience satisfying for audiences in Canada and the United States alike. Originally released in 2011, the title remains a smart pick for viewers seeking lighthearted humor on disc now available with a host of bonuses that deepen the experience.
The roster includes Ben Stiller as Josh Kovacs, Casey Affleck as Charlie Gersh, and Michael Peña as Devreaux, all employees of a luxury Manhattan condo who lose their pensions after being stiffed by a ruthless Wall Street operator, Arthur Shaw, portrayed by Alan Alda. The trio teams with Eddie Murphy’s resourceful former con Slide and a larger group of condo staffers as they plan to enter Shaw’s penthouse and reclaim the money that was taken from them. Adding tension is Claire Denham, the FBI agent pursuing the case, played by Téa Leoni, whose presence complicates the plan and raises the stakes throughout the caper.
What makes the project feel special is how well the component parts fit. The humor is often character driven, with quips that arise naturally from relationships formed in the building hallways and elevator banks. Murphy’s energy—part command performance, part loose-limbed street-smart charisma—gives the film a pulse that carries the rest of the cast along. Stiller remains the anchor, while Affleck captures a blend of earnestness and anxiety that fits the caper’s practical stakes. Peña brings a sharper edge to a role that could have leaned on stereotype, and the supporting cast adds texture and warmth with performances from Broderick and Sidibe. The result is a picture that feels bigger than its budget because everyone contributes to a sense of camaraderie and problem solving under pressure. With this approach Tower Heist offers entertainment suitable for a spring break crowd hoping for a light, accessible night out with friends or family, or for a solo evening when the goal is lively energy without weighty themes.
Bonus features include:
– Alternate endings
– Deleted and alternate scenes
– Gag reel
– Film commentary by director Brett Ratner, writers Ted Griffin and Jeff Nathanson, and editor Mark Helfrich
– Behind-the-scenes footage with Ratner
Blu-ray bonus features:
– Storyboards
– Music tracks from the film
– Three videos about the filmmaking process