I watched Analyze That and I liked it. 3/5
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Sequels are always a tricky business, especially when you’re following a comedy as well-received as Analyze This. Directed again by Harold Ramis and reuniting Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal, Analyze That brings the odd couple of mobster Paul Vitti (De Niro) and psychiatrist Ben Sobel (Crystal) back together for another round of therapy, crime, and hijinks. But where the original film felt fresh and clever, Analyze That struggles to recapture the same magic. While there are still laughs and some fun character moments, the sequel feels like a retread that lacks the sharpness and heart of the first movie.
The Premise: Mobsters in Midlife Crisis
The film picks up with Paul Vitti in prison, seemingly losing his grip on reality. After a series of bizarre incidents (including a hilariously out-of-tune rendition of West Side Story), the authorities release Vitti into the custody of Dr. Sobel, believing he’s no longer a danger to society. Of course, this proves to be a massive mistake. Sobel, already overwhelmed by his own personal issues—including the recent death of his father—now has to babysit a mob boss who may or may not be faking his mental breakdown.
What follows is a mix of mob drama, fish-out-of-water comedy, and therapy sessions as Vitti attempts to go straight and live a “normal” life. Naturally, things don’t go as planned. Vitti tries working legitimate jobs, from car sales to singing telegrams, but he quickly finds himself dragged back into the world of organized crime. Meanwhile, Sobel grapples with his grief and mounting frustration over his chaotic life, which only gets worse as Vitti’s antics escalate.
De Niro and Crystal: Still a Solid Duo
The best thing about Analyze That is, unsurprisingly, the chemistry between Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal. De Niro once again leans into his mobster persona with just the right amount of self-parody, delivering a performance that’s both gruff and hilarious. Watching Vitti navigate the mundanity of everyday life—like awkwardly trying to sell cars—is a comedic highlight, and De Niro’s deadpan delivery sells even the weaker jokes.
Crystal, meanwhile, brings his usual charm and neurotic energy to Dr. Sobel. His exasperation with Vitti’s behavior feels more pronounced in this film, and his comedic timing remains sharp. Whether he’s trying to talk Vitti out of trouble or dealing with his own emotional baggage, Crystal grounds the film with a sense of relatability. The duo’s dynamic is still entertaining, even if the material they’re working with isn’t as strong as before.
The Humor: Hit or Miss
While Analyze This struck a nice balance between sharp wit and absurdity, Analyze That leans more heavily on broad humor and slapstick. Some of it works—like Vitti’s attempts at “normal” jobs—but much of it feels forced. The film seems to rely on the idea that simply putting a mobster in everyday situations is inherently funny, which only takes the comedy so far.
There are still moments that land, particularly when the film plays with Vitti’s tough-guy persona in unexpected ways. For example, a sequence where he hilariously critiques a mobster movie being filmed (a not-so-subtle jab at The Sopranos) is one of the film’s standout scenes. However, other jokes—like an extended bit involving Vitti posing as a singing waiter—feel overly long and out of place.
A Weak Plot and Missed Potential
One of the biggest issues with Analyze That is its muddled plot. The story attempts to blend comedy with a more serious mob drama, but the two elements don’t mesh as seamlessly as they did in the first film. The mob subplot, involving Vitti’s old rival Patti LoPresti (Cathy Moriarty) and a heist gone wrong, feels underdeveloped and tacked on. It’s as if the filmmakers weren’t sure whether they wanted to make a crime caper or a buddy comedy, and the result is a film that doesn’t fully commit to either.
Another problem is the lack of character growth. While the first film gave both Vitti and Sobel compelling arcs, Analyze That struggles to justify its existence beyond a few laughs. Sobel’s grief over his father’s death is introduced but never explored in any meaningful way, and Vitti’s attempts to go straight are more of a running gag than a genuine character journey.
The Verdict: A Decent, If Unnecessary Sequel
At the end of the day, Analyze That isn’t a bad movie—it’s just an unnecessary one. The charm of De Niro and Crystal’s performances is enough to keep it watchable, and there are enough funny moments to make it a decent time. But compared to the sharp wit and originality of Analyze This, the sequel feels like a watered-down version of what came before.
Fans of the first film will likely enjoy seeing these characters again, but they may also find themselves wishing for a more focused and engaging story. If you’re in the mood for a light, low-stakes comedy with some familiar faces, Analyze That is worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to leave much of an impression once the credits roll.