Screenwriters Ted Griffin and Jeff Nathanson fuse action and humor in this well casted Ocean Eleven farce packed with off beat dialogue and plot twists.Stunning opening shots and effective character development payoff in setting the intimate relationships of the likable and funny, high end apartment hotel workers. After discovering that Wall Street tycoon Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) is being investigated by Special Agent Claire Denham (Téa Leoni) for security fraud, they band together to recover their embezzled pensions.
Believing the money is hidden in Shaw's penthouse, the workaholic manager Josh Kovaks (Ben Stiller) enlists the help of petty crook criminal, Slide (Eddie Murphy), and relies on the talents of concierge Charley (Casey Affleck), failed stockbroker Mr. Fitzhugh (Matthew Broderick), elevator operator Dev'Reaux (Michael Peña), maid Odessa Montero (Academy Award nominee Gabourey Sidibe), and doorman Lester (Stephen McKinley Henderson).
Reminiscent of his '80's roles, Murphy's energetic portrayal of the obnoxious, loud and fast talking hoodlum steals the show. Murphy's screen presence with Gaborey Sidibe deserves more time.
Mark Helfrich's editing and Christophe Beck's score keep the action flowing.
Despite some gaps in the plot, director Brian Ratner maintains the levity and laughter throughout this cape comedy.
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