Once again, Robert De Niro plays a mobster here. Sure, he's being typecast, but let's be honest about it, who plays a mobster better than Robert De Niro? That's right, nobody. De Niro is the man when it comes to being the gangster, and in "Analyze This," he plays it perfectly. Well, almost. His crying was a bit too over the top, but other than that, his performance was flawless. Then there's Billy Crystal. He's excellent as the uptight psychiatrist. Even though it can sorta be considered a straight role (up until the end, at least), he has some great lines. Their chemistry is wonderful, and they worked off each other beautifully.
Lisa Kudrow is fine as Crystal's fianceé, but the supporting role that I liked the most was Joe Viterelli as "Jelly," De Niro's best friend. He was just great as the big, hulking guy with no intelligence at all. Chazz Palminteri was great as the bad guy, and Howard Stern fans may be familiar with Pat Cooper, who has a few appearances in the movie. He's surprisingly good, as a high-ranking mob guy.
"Analyze This" was directed by Harold Ramis, and he wrote it along with Ken Lonergan and Peter Tolan. Harold Ramis also directed "Groundhog Day," "National Lampoon's Vacation," and "Caddyshack," so he knows how to direct comedy.
Sure, it's
got it's flaws, it's kinda silly towards the end, and considering the cast,
it coulda been even funnier. Still, it's got great performances, you'll
do a lotta laughing, and of course, De Niro is the man.