Analyze This (1999)

Cast Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal together in a film and it should be a sucker's bet as to who's going to be funnier and who's going to give the more nuanced performance. Somehow, though, De Niro walks away with most of the laughs in Analyze This, a buddy action-comedy about a mob boss (De Niro, natch) suffering from panic attacks who makes a nebbishy shrink (Crystal, natch) an offer he can't refuse--actually, it's not really an offer, it's a command. The good doctor is forced to help the gangster get in touch with his feelings. Had the brilliant TV series The Sopranos not underscored how thin and watery and shticky director-cowriter Harold Ramis's approach to such potentially rich material actually is, the movie--a hit in theaters and De Niro's biggest film ever--would seem more fresh and kicky. De Niro's definitely a hoot as the ever milder menace, and Crystal actually concentrates on giving a credible performance opposite the acting legend (alas, he doesn't turn his character's fear of his patient into inspired comedy, as Alan Arkin did in Grosse Pointe Blank). The conclusion devolves into the requisite gunplay, and Chazz Palminteri and Lisa Kudrow are criminally wasted as an opposing mob boss and Crystal's fiancée, respectively, but overall, it's breezy fun. --David Kronke Amazon.com essential video

Humor Brought to The Mob

DeNiro suffers panic attacks and is conflicted about his father; Crystal is a Manhattan shrink with a "normal" clientele trying to get married to his girlfriend, Lisa Kudrow. En route, DeNiro makes Crystal an "offer" he can't refuse (to help DeNiro better understand himself), suspects Crystal of ratting him out to the Feds (Crystal had backed out), and finally achieves his breakthrough just as he is is about to knock Crystal off.

Good clean fun, with DeNiro getting more than his share of the laughs. June 23, 2008

Seriously Funny

This is one of the best comedies I have watched. The plot itself; a mafia mobster with anxiety disorder seeks psychiatric help; sounds very promising for a excellent comedy of lighter vein. May 31, 2008

SPOOF PROOF

If you'd like to see and hear Billy Crystal at the top of his game, while Robert De Niro does a terrific parody of some of his previous roles, go no further. This movie has something for everyone, including a very hip score, as well as a surprise appearance by Tony Bennette. Try to beat that combination for some entertainment on a chilly night in front of the television, along with a fire in your fireplace, a glass of Champagne and a bowl of popcorn, shared by the one you love.
Tony Horowitz
[...] March 24, 2007

Masterpiece!

Ever thought about a psychiatrist interacting with a leader of a gang? Well, this is what this movie will be all about!

Paul Vitti (Robert Deniro) is the leader of a very powerful gang of New York City, he can get himself anything he demands; anything but happiness. As we can see, this guy is being tortured by some of the dark memories from his childhood, and a psychiatrist is what he exactly needs.

Ben Sobol (Billy Crystal) is a divorced psychiatrist who is about to merry another person, a news reporter (Lisa Kudrow). During his well planned honeymoon, Paul paid him a visit seeking emergency treatments to turn him into a happy person. Ben wants no part of this, you can't do much with a gun pointed at your face eh?

Could he handle it? Well, watch this movie! This movie tells you an unique story with many fascinating jokes, a great plot and... hehe you will see.

Enjoy the show!!! :)
May 29, 2006

YOU... YOU...

A great comedy, Analyze This, brings to the screen the story of a divorced shrink about to get remarried. Things get a little more complicated when a mobster who feels that he is going all "soft" seeks his counselling...
Robert De Niro, Billy Crystal, Lisa Kudrow and the rest of the cast, have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are exceptional to say the least!
Very well written and very well presented, the movie is without a doubt guaranteed to provide more than just a few laughs.
On the negative side, there is a little too much exaggeration e.g. the delivery of the fountain as a wedding gift.
Nevertheless, the setting, the plot, the dialogues, the humor, and the music are all wonderful!
In short, Analyze This is a movie definitely worth watching and one to seriously consider adding to your movie collection!
November 13, 2005

More reviews at Amazon.com ...