Analyze That

Almost four years may have passed since Analyze This but it's unlikely much of that time was spent honing the comedic sensibilities of the screenplay of Anaylze That. Indeed, this sequel to the massively popular original is so light, flimsy and non descript that the movie is in danger of fluttering away should a gust of wind inadvertently blow through the cinema.

Set a few years after the events of the first film, Anaylze That opens with convicted mobster Paul Vitti (De Niro) still banged up in Sing Sing. When he collapses into a state of catatonia after a bout of insanity, his former shrink Dr Ben Sobel (Crystal) is called in to offer his opinion. Inexplicably, on the orders of the FBI, Vitti is released into the care of the doctor. Needless to say, the dyed-in-the-wool gangster was only faking his mental breakdown and soon sets about organising a heist and discovering which of the competing crime families was trying to kill him while he was inside.

The most incisive Anaylze That gets is offering a knowing wink to likes of The Sopranos with the most obvious example being Vitti becoming a technical adviser to a TV series called Little Caesar (a subplot that isn't satisfactorily explored, presumably because it had the potential to actually be funny). The rest of the film is all too eager to resort to a cycle of low brow, ready to wear gags, few of which raise more than a smirk. Saving the movie from ultimate embarrassment is the fact there's palpable chemistry between Crystal and De Niro and both actors seem to have a genuine affection for their characters and each other. Sadly, the same warmth can't be extended to the lazy screenplay.