Before you rush out to see Analyze This, consider that previous works by writer/director Harold Ramis include Animal House, Caddyshack, and Stripes. All three of these films rely on humor that is occasionally crude and language that is often a bit raw for some tastes. In this regard, Analyze This is much the same as the aforementioned films. As Pauline Kael once said, 'for people that like this kind of thing, this is the kind of thing they will like." If this is not the kind of thing you will like, reread all of my reviews until you find a recommended film that you haven't seen and see if its available on video.
For those who are still reading, does this mean that Analyze This is without redeeming social importance? Not at all. Like the other films by Ramis, there are moments of witty dialogue, nuggets of social commentary, and the occasional full-blown belly laugh. Unlike the other films, this film has Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal, major assets in any film. The film also has Lisa Kudrow-if you can't say something nice about something, don't say anything at all.
The film Grosse Pointe Blank is about a hired assassin who decides to attend his high-school reunion. Several scenes involve interactions between the assassin and his reluctant therapist. How does a therapist terminate a client whose specialty is termination? This gag that was a subplot in Gross Pointe Blank has been elevated to the status of central theme here. Frankly, this limited theme provides some good gags along the way, but is a bit thin to go the distance.
Robert DeNiro (not surprisingly) plays a mafia hit man who is going through a kind of mid-life crisis-he's becoming sensitive and compassionate and its messing up his work. Billy Cystal plays Ben Sobol, the psychiatrist who is hired against his will. Billy Crystal does an excellent job as the psychiatrist, but the real fun here is watching DeNiro create a caricature of some of his greatest roles (e.g., in Godfather II, Goodfellas, and Casino).
If you are looking for a way to kill time and your other option is shoveling the driveway, this might be worth a look. There are a few gems along the way, and it's definitely not the worst move I've ever seen. The only other thing to recommend this film, is that if you do decide to "analyze this" it shouldn't take very long.
For those who are still reading, does this mean that Analyze This is without redeeming social importance? Not at all. Like the other films by Ramis, there are moments of witty dialogue, nuggets of social commentary, and the occasional full-blown belly laugh. Unlike the other films, this film has Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal, major assets in any film. The film also has Lisa Kudrow-if you can't say something nice about something, don't say anything at all.
The film Grosse Pointe Blank is about a hired assassin who decides to attend his high-school reunion. Several scenes involve interactions between the assassin and his reluctant therapist. How does a therapist terminate a client whose specialty is termination? This gag that was a subplot in Gross Pointe Blank has been elevated to the status of central theme here. Frankly, this limited theme provides some good gags along the way, but is a bit thin to go the distance.
Robert DeNiro (not surprisingly) plays a mafia hit man who is going through a kind of mid-life crisis-he's becoming sensitive and compassionate and its messing up his work. Billy Cystal plays Ben Sobol, the psychiatrist who is hired against his will. Billy Crystal does an excellent job as the psychiatrist, but the real fun here is watching DeNiro create a caricature of some of his greatest roles (e.g., in Godfather II, Goodfellas, and Casino).
If you are looking for a way to kill time and your other option is shoveling the driveway, this might be worth a look. There are a few gems along the way, and it's definitely not the worst move I've ever seen. The only other thing to recommend this film, is that if you do decide to "analyze this" it shouldn't take very long.