Review rated by 26 Ciao members on average: very helpful
Whether you be a fan of Mafia films or you simply enjoy comedy then this film is definitely worth a try. If you like both, all the better! There are just two main characters, a great move :
Robert De Niro ------------ Paul Vitti, the mob boss Billy Crystal ---------------- Ben Sobel, the psychiatrist
Lisa Kudrow also plays a broadcaster who is engaged to Ben Sobel. Disappointingly she is very similar to her character from the show "Friends". Luckily, this film is far more entertaining than the hit sitcom.
The film starts with Ben Sobel literally running into Paul Vitti-a rather innocuous car accident. However Vitti's boot opens in the crash to reveal an animated, gagged body (fair enough really-would you be happy in there?). Understandably, Vitti is in a rush to leave but Sobel insists on giving him his business card for insurance purposes. Soon after the violent mobster suddenly realises he may have a few problems inside his head and so the comedy begins......
The strenght of this fim does is not the plot. The plot isn't bad at all its just that the overall dialogue is so good. On the evidence of this film, De Niro and Crystal make a very good partnership. Billy Crystal is even better than usual and De Niro shows that there is no end to his talents as an actor. The film is consistently funny and you are never left waiting for a laugh.
De Niro's character is without doubt the one that holds the whole film together. Being close to a nervous breakdown his priorities lie elsewhere:
"I go fag, you die"
However it is the psychiatrist who supplies him with the comic ammunition. The two are complete opposites yet by the end of the film seem to be on the same wavelength. Eventually Vitti sees himself as a well-adjusted gangster whereas it is the unfortunate Crystal who is in need of urgent attention!
Now showing on SKY fairly regularly; if you don't have SKY its worth buying on video.
ker's bet as to who's going to be funnier and who's going to give the more nuanced performance. Somehow, though, De Niro walks away with most of the laughs, mugging gleefull...
ker's bet as to who's going to be funnier and who's going to give the more nuanced performance. Somehow, though, De Niro walks away with most of the laughs, mugging gleefull...
The overall rating of a review is different from a simple average of all individual ratings.
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by (8%):
05.08.2003 16:23
It really needs more to be a vh I think
22.07.2001 21:43
An excellent opinion, I will look out for this film. Take care Zorena
16.07.2001 21:02
Nicely written op, love the title.....Robin