Review

What has to be the funniest gangster comedy since Some Like It Hot, Analyze This is nonstop hilarity and proves that De Niro can handle comedy with the skill of his great, dramatic portrayals. Who knew? A well-structured and very funny screenplay by Peter Tolan, Kenneth Lonergan and director Ramis sets up the clever, high-concept scenario: Mafia kingpin Paul Vitti (De Niro) is experiencing such stress as to cause him to seek out psychiatric help. And what doctor does he put the hit on? Ben Sobel, marvelously played by Crystal. Quicker than you can say "The Godfather," Sobel's professional and private lives are turned upside down with Vitti now thinking he has his own personal, 24-hour shrink. The rapport between the two stars is priceless -- that Crystal and pal Robin Williams' Father's Day was such a disappointment only adds to the sheer delight of Bobby and Billy's chemistry. Of course, they're working from a much better screenplay. And it's consistently funny, from start to finish, an endless parade of sharp one-liners and sticky situations. In support, Kudrow and Palminteri are both shortchanged in their parts; but not Viterelli, who is perfect as Vitti's dense but loyal henchman.