Analyze This (1999)

 
ANALYZE THIS is an exceptionally funny (though not necessarily ex-
ceptional) comedy casting Billy Crystal as Robert DeNiro's gang-
ster's shrink.  The former can't believe he's being called on; the 
latter doesn't believe he has stress.  Hilarity ensues.  DeNiro's 
as tough as ever, while Crystal underplays just enough to be a per-
fect foil.  The exception is the finale, when the comedian breaks 
loose for ten-or-so tear-inducing minutes.  (For my money, the sur-
prise bit of slap-happy slapstick is as fall-out-of-your-chair fun-
ny as the frying-pan scene from THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN.)  The 
other great moment involves an involved GODFATHER gag which you'll 
know is happening by the fits of laughter that certain members of 
the audience are undergoing.  Poor Fredo...  Too bad the script, 
co-written by director Harold Ramis, takes itself so seriously.  
There's an awful lot that doesn't add to the overall amusement 
factor (AF)-- precious screen time that could've been used for, 
say, a chart listing all those sound-alike mob names.  With Lisa 
Kudrow, Joe Viterelli, Richard C. Castellano, and Chazz Palminteri.  
(Rated "R"/105 min.)

Grade: B
          
Copyright 1999 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros   

Originally posted to triangle.movies as MOVIE HELL: March 7, 1999