Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brisk, fun heist movie has language, peril, sex talk.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Tower Heist
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 46 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a fun and brisk heist film, featuring a well-known cast that delivers engaging performances, but it comes with a significant amount of strong language and sexual humor that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While many find it hilarious and entertaining, others are concerned about its explicit content, indicating that it's better suited for teens and older viewers.
- fun heist film
- strong language
- sexual humor
- entertaining performances
- better for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In TOWER HEIST, Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) is the most important of all the important residents of the Tower, a posh Manhattan residential high-rise run by building manager Josh Kovaks (Ben Stiller). The two men don't have very much in common, except perhaps a love of online chess. But Shaw, in what first appeared to be an act of kindness, agreed to manage the staff's pensions, promising to "triple" their investment. When Shaw is then accused of fraud, Kovaks realizes that he and everyone else might have been duped, their money gone forever. How can they get it back? Can justice be served with the help of Kovaks' street-smart neighbor, Slide (Eddie Murphy)? And will Kovaks' burgeoning interest in FBI agent Claire Denham (Tea Leoni), who's guarding Shaw, complicate matters?
Is It Any Good?
A great performance by Stiller, a relatable Robin Hood-esque plot, and edge-of-your-seat stunts steal the show in this high-stakes action comedy. If you're seeking escape, you'll get it from Tower Heist. Not an escape from the news, exactly, since the movie's main storyline -- an obscenely wealthy money manager is arrested for defrauding his clients -- seems ripped from the headlines, especially headlines about Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme that made waves around the time of this film's release. But the film is certainly entertaining enough to be an escape from daily life. Co-stars Stiller, Murphy, Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck, and the rest of the gang have perfect chemistry -- essential in a movie that portrays them as a ragtag band of brothers.
Nevertheless, you have to ask: Does anyone care about the plot, which isn't exactly bulletproof? There are plenty of inconsistencies, and a predictable romance between two main characters doesn't really add anything to the proceedings. Be that as it may, the film is still lots of fun. Watching the crime itself unfold in what may be one of the most hectic days in New York City -- in the middle of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade -- gives it chutzpah. The action builds satisfyingly, and that's more than can be said about so many other, momentum-less movies.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the characters' motivations in Tower Heist. Are they justified in wanting to get revenge? Is it ever OK to commit a crime to right a wrong?
Does the movie seem skewed toward the group carrying out the heist? Why, or why not? And should it be? Would you have as much sympathy for the characters if they were real-life people?
How does the movie address class and race? Does it undermine stereotypes or reinforce them? Are the characters a realistic depiction of life in New York?
The characters show teamwork in planning and carrying out the robbery. Why is this an important character strength? Can you think of times you've used teamwork in your life to achieve something (legal!) with others?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 4, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : February 21, 2012
- Cast : Ben Stiller , Casey Affleck , Eddie Murphy
- Director : Brett Ratner
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and sexual content
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : January 15, 2025
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