I watched Analyze This and I liked it. 3.5/5
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Analyze This brings (for the time) a fresh comedic twist to the gangster genre. Directed by Harold Ramis and starring Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal, the film explores what happens when a hardened mob boss ends up on a psychiatrist’s couch. The premise is ripe for laughs, and while Analyze This delivers plenty of chuckles, it doesn’t quite rise to the level of a classic. With two iconic leads and a mix of sharp humor and mob drama, it’s an entertaining ride, even if it occasionally leans a bit too heavily on genre clichés.
The Premise: A Mobster and His Shrink Walk Into a Plot
The story follows Paul Vitti (De Niro), a feared and powerful mob boss who begins experiencing anxiety attacks just as a major meeting of organized crime families looms. Desperate to get his emotions under control, he seeks out Dr. Ben Sobel (Crystal), a mild-mannered psychiatrist who’s more accustomed to handling neurotic suburbanites than criminals. Reluctantly dragged into Vitti’s chaotic world, Sobel becomes the boss’s go-to therapist, confidant, and occasional hostage.
It’s a fish-out-of-water story that sets up endless comedic possibilities, and the movie makes the most of its absurd scenario. Seeing a mob boss work through his daddy issues and emotional vulnerability is inherently funny, and the clash of personalities between De Niro’s menacing intensity and Crystal’s neurotic wit fuels much of the humor.
De Niro’s Comic Masterclass
Robert De Niro as Paul Vitti is the film’s biggest strength. Known for his serious roles in gangster classics like The Godfather Part II and Goodfellas, De Niro leans into his mobster persona here but adds a self-deprecating twist. Watching him alternate between tough-guy bravado and emotional meltdowns is a delight. He cries, he panics, he gets in touch with his feelings—and it’s hilarious.
De Niro’s comedic timing is spot-on, and his ability to play the role straight while delivering absurd lines makes Paul Vitti a memorable character. You can tell he’s having fun poking fun at his own typecasting, but he never goes so over the top that it feels cartoonish.
Crystal’s Deadpan Delivery
Billy Crystal provides the perfect foil as Dr. Ben Sobel. While De Niro brings the larger-than-life personality, Crystal anchors the film with his dry humor and relatable exasperation. Sobel’s journey from an ordinary therapist to an unwitting participant in mob life is handled with Crystal’s signature wit, and his reactions to Vitti’s antics feel authentic and grounded.
Crystal excels in the film’s quieter moments, particularly in scenes where Sobel tries to assert himself against the intimidating Vitti. Their dynamic is the heart of the movie, and the two actors have excellent chemistry, whether they’re arguing over therapy techniques or dodging gunfire.
The Comedy Hits… Most of the Time
Analyze This is at its best when it’s fully embracing the absurdity of its premise. Moments like Vitti struggling to open up about his feelings or Sobel awkwardly trying to act tough in front of mobsters are genuinely funny. The film mines a lot of humor from the contrast between Vitti’s violent world and Sobel’s mundane suburban life, and there are some great one-liners scattered throughout.
However, not every joke lands. Some of the humor feels a bit dated, and there are a few moments where the script leans too heavily on stereotypes or recycled gags. For example, a subplot involving Sobel’s fiancée, Laura (Lisa Kudrow), feels underdeveloped and mostly serves as an excuse for more awkward misunderstandings.
Mob Drama Meets Sitcom Shenanigans
While Analyze This is primarily a comedy, it also tries to incorporate elements of mob drama, which can be hit-or-miss. The crime family subplot, involving rival bosses and an upcoming “sit-down,” feels undercooked and exists mainly to give the characters a ticking clock. It’s serviceable, but it never reaches the level of tension or depth you’d find in a serious mob movie.
That said, the blending of genres is part of the film’s charm. It’s not trying to be The Sopranos or The Godfather—it’s a lighthearted comedy that happens to feature gangsters. If you go in with those expectations, you’ll probably have a good time.
The Verdict: A Fun spin on an overplayed genre
Analyze This isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a crowd-pleasing comedy with two fantastic lead performances, plenty of laughs, and a unique spin on the gangster genre. While the plot can feel thin and some of the humor doesn’t hold up as well today, the chemistry between De Niro and Crystal more than makes up for the film’s shortcomings.
For fans of mob movies and offbeat comedies, this is a fun watch that offers a fresh perspective on the genre. It may not have the emotional depth or staying power of a classic, but it’s an enjoyable romp that’s worth revisiting for the sheer joy of seeing De Niro and Crystal at the top of their game.