Analyze This

Starring: Robert De Niro, Billy Crystal, Lisa Kudrow, Joe Viterelli, Chazz Palminteri
Directed by: Harold Ramis
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Psychiatrist Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal) finds his life turned upside down when mobster Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro) comes to him for professional help. Sobel tries to explain that he's really not helping at all, but Vitti won't hear of it- and insists on seeing him whenever it's convienent for him- but at some misopportune times for Sobel. As the psychiatrist/patient relationship gets way out of control, Sobel finds himself being drawn into the mob- which is not where he wants to be.

Review:

Tim: This was an enjoyable film. I had heard great things about it, and I saw that it was more than I could have hoped for. Billy Crystal is absolutely hilarious in the film, playing the type of role he was meant to. He's smart and believable as the psychiatrist, and brings his pain to humorous reality on the screen. Its a shame it seems as if he's not doing as much work as he used to, but this film allows him to shine, and prove he still has everything he once did, and that his comic timing is still impeccable.

Crystal has a wonderful co-star in Robert De Niro. Who knew De Niro could be so funny? He introduces the fact that he has comic ability here, and it can also be see in Meet the Parents. Whether its him screaming on the phone that he's gonna chop a rival mobster's private parts off and shove it where the sun don't shine, or him breaking down and sobbing after a life insurance commercial, he is absolutely hysterical. He spoofs the hardass mobster roles that he's so successfully made a career out of. That is perhaps the key behind the success of this movie. Yes, the movie has some of the funniest lines you've ever heard, some brilliant acting, and some truly amazing scenes: however, the one aspect that makes this film wonderful is Robert De Niro. For him to play this role, spoofing nearly his entire career... well, that is both amazing to watch, and makes for excellent entertainment.

This film was wonderfully directed by Harold Ramis. I am a huge fan of his work, and this film gets added on to the slew of great films under his directorial leadership. The film is enjoyable to look at, and keeps you entertained and excited for what will happen next. The dialogue is crisp, witty and brilliant. The interaction between De Niro and Crystal is superb, and pulls your attention towards it in every scene. I never would have guessed De Niro and Crystal would hit it off so excellently. I am quite impressed with De Niro as of late. He showed a different side of himself here, as well as in Meet the Parents. De Niro is proving he can act not only alongside action and drama actors, but comedy ones like Crystal and Ben Stiller.

Besides De Niro and Crystal, the rest of the supporting cast didn't have much to do, and weren't that exciting to watch. Lisa Kudrow's talent was wasted in the film, as she didn't have much to do, and stuck out like a sore thumb in nearly every scene she was in. Chazz Palminteri tried really hard, but you found yourself wishing his scene would end, so you could go back and see more of De Niro and Crystal.

If you haven't seen this film, you're truly missing out on one of De Niro's best (and most funny performances). I always knew De Niro did excellent work, but I must admit I am gaining respect for him all the time. For him to play this role as excellently as he does says a lot about his character and his acting ability. If anyone doubted De Niro was a simply amazing actor, I think with his recent performances, there would be very little doubt left. In this film, he and Crystal are simply explosive together, and you'll laugh- I promise you that.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Meet the Parents, Forget Paris, Groundhog Day, The Godfather, Grosse Point Blank, Analyze That