Analyze This (1999)

Director:

Harold Ramis

Writers (WGA):

Kenneth Lonergan (story) and
Peter Tolan (story) ...
(more)

Release Date:

5 March 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime

Tagline:

New York's most powerful gangster is about to get in touch with his feelings. YOU try telling him his 50 minutes are up.

Plot:

A comedy about a psychiatrist whose number one-patient is an insecure mob boss.

Plot Keywords:

Psychiatrist | Mafia | Wedding | Mafia Boss | FBI

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 4 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Robert De Niro	...	Paul Vitti
Billy Crystal	...	Dr. Ben Sobel
Lisa Kudrow	...	Laura MacNamara Sobel
Chazz Palminteri	...	Primo Sidone
Kresimir Novakovic	...	'50s Gangster
Bart Tangredi	...	Young Vitti Sr.
Michael Straka	...	Young Dominic Manetta
Joseph Rigano	...	Dominic Manetta (as Joe Rigano)
Joe Viterelli	...	Jelly
Richard C. Castellano	...	Jimmy Boots (as Richard Castellano)
Molly Shannon	...	Caroline
Max Casella	...	Nicky Shivers
Frank Pietrangolare	...	Tuna
Kyle Sabihy	...	Michael Sobel
Bill Macy	...	Dr. Isaac Sobel
Rebecca Schull	...	Dorothy Sobel
Pat Cooper	...	Salvatore Masiello
Leo Rossi	...	Carlo Mangano
Aasif Mandvi	...	Dr. Shulman
Neil Pepe	...	Carl
Tony Darrow	...	Moony
Michael Haley	...	Producer (as R.M. Haley)
Ian Marioles	...	Soundman
Donnamarie Recco	...	Sheila
Vince Cecere	...	Tino
Jimmie Ray Weeks	...	FBI Agent Steadman
Bob Cea	...	FBI Agent Ricci (as Robert Cea)
William Hill	...	FBI Agent Provano
Ira Wheeler	...	Scott MacNamara
Luce Ennis	...	Belinda MacNamara
Elizabeth Bracco	...	Marie Vitti
Gina Gallagher	...	Theresa Vitti
Francesca Mari	...	Anna Vitti
Vinny Vella Jr.	...	Anthony Vitti (as Vincent Vella Jr.)
Mickey Bruno	...	Miami Soldier
Dave Corey	...	Miami Hall Guard
Fred Workman	...	Justice of the Peace
Daniel W. Barringer	...	Dream Sequence Gunman
John Polce	...	Dream Sequence Gunman (as John J. Polce)
Drew Eliot	...	Priest at Funeral
Grace DeSena	...	Tommy Angels' Widow
New York Joe Catalfumo	...	Exuberant Mourner
Michael Guarino Jr.	...	Stevie Beef
Michael Harkins	...	Paretti's Family
Paula Raflo	...	Paretti's Family
Ondine Harris	...	Paretti's Family
Matthew Vega	...	Paretti's Family
Clem Caserta	...	Handsome Jack
Tony Ray Rossi	...	Potatoes
Judith Kahan	...	Elaine Felton
Ted Neustadt	...	Rabbi
Pasquale Cajano	...	Joe Baldassare
Gene Ruffini	...	Frankie Zello
Alfred Sauchelli Jr.	...	Mo-Mo
Tony DiBenedetto	...	Johnny 'Bigs'
Frank Aquilino	...	Eddie 'Cokes'
Tony Bennett	...	Himself
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Albert Anastasia	...	Himself (archive footage)
Joseph Bonanno	...	Himself (archive footage)
Frank Costello	...	Himself (archive footage)
Albert Gallo	...	Himself (archive footage)
Joe Gallo	...	Himself (archive footage)
Larry Gallo	...	Himself (archive footage)
Carlo Gambino	...	Himself (archive footage)
Vito Genovese	...	Himself (archive footage)
Kenny Alfonso	...	Car chase driver (uncredited)
Tracie Bruce	...	Bikini Girl (uncredited)
Phillip V. Caruso	...	Wedding Photographer (uncredited)
Anthony Caso	...	Johnny Angel (uncredited)
Neal A. Corl	...	Mafia Bodyguard (uncredited)
Trish Dempsey	...	Hotel Guest (uncredited)
Tony Devon	...	Bobby Angel (uncredited)
Russell Gibson	...	Mafio Capo (uncredited)
Anthony Russo	...	Mafia Bodyguard (uncredited)

Directed by
Harold Ramis

Writing credits (WGA)
Kenneth Lonergan		(story) and
Peter Tolan		(story)
Peter Tolan		(screenplay) and
Harold Ramis		(screenplay) and
Kenneth Lonergan		(screenplay)

Produced by
Len Amato	....	co-producer
Bruce Berman	....	executive producer
Chris Brigham	....	executive producer
Billy Crystal	....	executive producer
Suzanne Herrington	....	associate producer
Jane Rosenthal	....	producer
Paula Weinstein	....	producer

Original Music by
Howard Shore

Cinematography by
Stuart Dryburgh		(director of photography)

Film Editing by
Craig Herring		(as Craig P. Herring)
Christopher Tellefsen

Casting by
Ellen Chenoweth
Laura Rosenthal

Production Design by
Wynn Thomas

Art Direction by
Jefferson Sage

Set Decoration by
Leslie E. Rollins

Costume Design by
Aude Bronson-Howard

Makeup Department
Scott W. Farley	....	key hair stylist
William A. Farley	....	hair stylist: Mr. Crystal
Ilona Herman	....	hair stylist: Mr. De Niro
Ilona Herman	....	makeup artist: Mr. De Niro
Michael Laudati	....	key makeup artist
Richard Marin	....	hair stylist: Ms. Kudrow
Peter Montagna	....	makeup artist: Mr. Crystal
Collier Strong	....	makeup artist: Ms. Kudrow
Jay Cannistraci	....	key makeup artist: Miami (uncredited)
Sharon Kalb	....	makeup artist: Miami (uncredited)

Production Management
Chris Brigham	....	unit production manager
Scott Hornbacher	....	unit manager: Miami
Helene Mulholland	....	post-production supervisor
Denise Pinckley	....	unit production manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Robert C. Albertell	....	second assistant director
Joan G. Bostwick	....	second second assistant director (as Joan Bostwick)
Michael Haley	....	first assistant director
Helen Rella	....	dga trainee
Kellie Jo Tackett	....	second second assistant director: Miami

Art Department
Harold Collins	....	construction foreman: Miami
Peter Damien	....	construction coordinator: Miami
John R. Ford	....	assistant property master (as John Ford)
Jeffrey L. Glave	....	scenic charge (as Jeff Glave)
Robert Griffon Jr.	....	property master (as Bob Griffon)
Erik Knight	....	art department coordinator
John McDonnell	....	assistant property master
Carlos Menéndez	....	art director: Miami (as Carlos A. Menendez)
Joseph Proscia	....	lead man (as Joe Proscia)
Raymond M. Samitz	....	construction coordinator (as Raymond Samitz)
Loren Weeks	....	assistant art director
Nancy Winters	....	assistant art director
Peter DeCurtis	....	set dresser (uncredited)
James Donahue	....	scenic artist (uncredited)
Warren Drummond	....	storyboard artist (uncredited)
Stephen I. Erdberg	....	assistant props (uncredited)
Michael Herlihy	....	carpenter (uncredited)
Richard E. Kruder	....	on-set dresser: Florida (uncredited)
John Nyomarkay	....	assistant art director (uncredited)
Malcolm Reid	....	shop craftsman (uncredited)
Roger Sherman	....	scenic artist (uncredited)
Cheryl Stewart	....	props (uncredited)
Cary Whittaker	....	set dresser (uncredited)

Sound Department
Randle Akerson	....	sound effects editor
Michael J. Benavente	....	supervising adr editor
Sandy Berman	....	sound designer
Sandy Berman	....	sound supervisor
David Boulton	....	adr mixer
David Burk	....	assistant sound editor
Kevin E. Carpenter	....	sound re-recording mixer
Gloria D'Alessandro	....	dialogue editor
Patrick J. Foley	....	dialogue editor (as Patrick Foley)
Anthony Franco	....	assistant sound editor
Meredith Gold	....	assistant sound editor (as H.R.H. Meredith Gold)
Michael Herbick	....	sound re-recording mixer
Hilda Hodges	....	foley artist
Nicholas Vincent Korda	....	supervising adr editor
Toussaint Kotright	....	cable person
Les Lazarowitz	....	production sound mixer
Kelly Mahan-Jaramillo	....	assistant sound editor
Kathleen McCart	....	digital playback operator
Tom Nelson	....	production sound mixer: Miami
Josephine Nericcio	....	assistant adr editor
Thomas J. O'Connell	....	adr mixer
Mark Pappas	....	supervising foley editor
Neil Riha	....	boom operator
Gary Ritchie	....	digital playback operator
John Roesch	....	foley artist (as John B. Roesch)
Gregory H. Watkins	....	sound re-recording mixer
David A. Whittaker	....	sound effects editor (as David Whittaker)
Robb Wilson	....	assistant sound editor
Gary Wright	....	foley editor
Marilyn Graf	....	foley mixer (uncredited)
Mike Schmidt	....	cable person: Florida (uncredited)

Special Effects by
Mark Bero	....	special effects
Wilfred Caban	....	special effects
Kevin Harris	....	special effects foreman: Miami
Steven Kirshoff	....	special effects coordinator (as Steve Kirshoff)
Durk Tyndall	....	special effects: Miami

Visual Effects by
Randall Balsmeyer	....	visual effects supervisor
Daniel Leung	....	digital compositing supervisor (uncredited)
Matt McDonald	....	digital compositor (uncredited)

Stunts
Bill Anagnos	....	stunts
Daniel W. Barringer	....	stunt coordinator
Paul Bucossi	....	stunts
Vic Bucossi	....	stunts
Keith Campbell	....	stunts
James M. Churchman	....	stunts (as James W. Churchman)
Douglas Crosby	....	stunts
Norman Douglass	....	stunts
Roy Farfel	....	stunts
Frank Ferrara	....	stunts
Ralph Ferrara	....	stunts
Nicholas J. Giangiulio	....	stunts
Tony Guida	....	stunts
Donald John Hewitt	....	stunt double: Chazz Palminteri (as Donald J. Hewitt)
Don Hewitt	....	stunts
Jack Lotz	....	stunts
Steve Mack	....	stunts
Artie Malesci	....	stunts
Charles Page	....	stunts
Don Picard	....	stunts
Michael Russo	....	stunts
Steve Santosusso	....	stunts (as Stephen Santosusso)
Manny Siverio	....	stunts
John Zimmerman	....	stunts
Peter Bucossi	....	stunts (uncredited)

Camera and Electrical Department
Tom Anderson	....	assistant chief lighting technician
Patrick Capone	....	camera operator
Phillip V. Caruso	....	still photographer
Andrew Casey	....	Steadicam operator (as Andy Casey)
Michael Finnerty	....	rigging grip
Brian Fitzsimons	....	best boy grip
Dennis Gamiello	....	key grip
Arturo García	....	second assistant camera: "b" camera, Miami
Carlos Omar Guerra	....	first assistant camera (as Carlos Guerra)
Lukasz Jogalla	....	camera operator: "a" camera
Nils Johnson	....	video playback operator
Marvin Lee	....	second assistant camera: "a" camera, Miami
Edward W. Lowry	....	dolly grip (as Ed Lowry)
Neal Norton	....	camera operator: "b" camera, Miami
Douglas Pellegrino	....	first assistant camera (as Doug Pellegrino)
Patrick Quinn	....	second assistant camera
Scott H. Ramsey	....	chief lighting technician (as Scott Ramsey)
Leigh Rathner	....	second assistant camera
Kyle Rudolph	....	Steadicam operator
Gerard Sava	....	first assistant camera
Mark Schwentner	....	rigging gaffer
Brian L. Williams	....	first assistant camera: "b" camera, Miami (as Brian Williams)
Joseph R. Collins	....	first assistant camera (uncredited)
Jon Delgado	....	electrician (uncredited)
Ray Flynn	....	best boy rigging electric (uncredited)
Timothy Healy	....	electrician (uncredited)
Michael J. Maurer	....	electrician (uncredited)
Jason Micallef	....	electrician (uncredited)
Erik Miles	....	assistant camera (uncredited)

Casting Department
Ali Farrell	....	casting associate
Amanda Koblin	....	casting associate

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Denise Andres	....	additional wardrobe
Lynette Bernay	....	costumer: Miami (as Lynetie Bernay)
Joanna Brett	....	costume supervisor
Julia S. Bubis	....	costumer: Miami (as Julia Bubis)
Ellen Falguiere	....	costumer: Miami
Sandi Figueroa	....	wardrobe: Mr. De Niro
Barbara Hause	....	costume supervisor
Heather Holmes	....	costumer: Miami
Emily Loreto	....	assistant costume designer
Fionnuala M. Lynch	....	additional wardrobe (as Fionnuala Lynch)
Marcie Olivi	....	wardrobe: Mr. Crystal
Elizabeth Shelton	....	assistant costume designer (as Liz Shelton)
Debra Tennenbaum	....	assistant costume designer
Emae Villalobos	....	costumer: Miami (as Emar Villalobos)
Monica Ruiz-Ziegler	....	wardrobe production assistant (uncredited)

Editorial Department
Chris Boscardin	....	assistant film editor
Lin Coleman	....	first assistant film editor
Kristin Eaton	....	assistant film editor
Dale E. Grahn	....	color timer (as Dale Grahn)
Penny Lee Hallin	....	assistant film editor
Mo Henry	....	negative cutter
Sorin Ariel Iarovici	....	assistant film editor (as Sorin Iarovici)
Michael Matzdorff	....	assistant film editor (as Mike Matzdorff)
Stephen M. Rickert Jr.	....	assistant film editor
David Young	....	assistant film editor
Bill Daly	....	post-production executive (uncredited)

Music Department
Homer Denison	....	orchestrator
Jennifer L. Dunnington	....	music editor
Dan Evans Farkas	....	music editor
John Kurlander	....	score mixer
Ryan Shore	....	orchestrator
Susan Shufro	....	assistant music editor
Robert Cotnoir	....	music programmer: synclavier (uncredited)
John Moses	....	musician: clarinetist (uncredited)

Transportation Department
Richard Holston	....	transportation co-captain
Michael Hyde	....	transportation coordinator (as Mike Hyde)

Other crew
Justin Bartha	....	office production aide
Beau Bauman	....	office production aide
Richard Bronskill	....	auricle operator
Gretchen Bryan	....	office production aide
Al Cerullo	....	helicopter pilot
Judith Cervenka	....	teacher: Miami
Robin Chambers	....	assistant: Mr. De Niro
Maria K. Chavez	....	location manager: Miami (as Maria Chavez)
K.C. Colebrooke	....	teamster captain: Miami
Jennifer Crammer	....	assistant: Mr. Ramis
Robyn J. Davis	....	assistant production office coordinator
Alex Edlin	....	marine safety coordinator: Miami
Stan Eutsey	....	production aide: Miami
Betsy Friedman	....	production aide
Ralph Gonzalez	....	set medic: Miami
Justin Goudreau	....	production aide: Miami
Steven J. Granik	....	office production aide
Larry Kaplan	....	unit publicist
Caroline Kim	....	assistant: Ms. Weinstein
Jamie Klingler	....	office production aide
Paul Kramer	....	assistant location manager
Linda Labov	....	assistant: Ms. Weinstein
Nancy Lefkowitz	....	assistant: Ms. Rosenthal
Adam Leichtman	....	production aide
Brian Marcus	....	office production aide
Justin Marx	....	production aide: Miami
Michelle May	....	assistant: Ms. Rosenthal
Greyson Miller	....	production aide: Miami
Debra Mintz	....	production aide
Holly Payberg-Torroija	....	assistant: Ms. Kudrow (as Holly Payberg)
Maria Peitersz	....	production aide: Miami
Samantha Petretti	....	assistant production office coordinator: Miami (as Samantha Debowsky)
Mike Phillips	....	accountant
David Price	....	production office coordinator: Miami
Don Reinzo	....	teamster captain: Miami
Olimpia T. Rinaldi	....	assistant accountant
Amy Rosenfeld	....	office production aide
Matthew Rovner	....	office production aide (as Matt Rovner)
Holly S. Rymon	....	production office coordinator (as Holly Rymon)
Scott Schaeffer	....	key set production aide
Brian M. Schwartz	....	assistant: Mr. Ramis
Patrick Selts	....	set medic: Miami (as Pat Selts)
Chris Sharp	....	office production aide
Ian Shive	....	office production aide
Carol Sidlow	....	assistant: Mr. Crystal
Andrew Maurice Smith	....	craft service: Miami (as Andrew M. Smith)
Jason Sosonoff	....	office production aide
Robin Squibb	....	script supervisor
Michael Stricks	....	location manager
Kristen Swanson	....	teacher
Kitty Terry	....	assistant location manager: Miami
Brenda Ventura	....	assistant: Mr. De Niro
Laurel A. Ward	....	assistant: Mr. Ramis
Holly Watson	....	production secretary
Howard Young	....	first assistant accountant: Miami
Mikki Ziska	....	production aide
Debbie Acton	....	production assistant (uncredited)
Johnny Egan	....	production assistant (uncredited)
Lauren Gale	....	craft service (uncredited)
Dave Knight	....	additional location assistant (uncredited)
Steve Lee	....	production assistant (uncredited)
David Ray Martin	....	location assistant (uncredited)
Michael Mendelsohn	....	financial consultant (uncredited)
Timothy D. Orr	....	helicopter pilot (uncredited)
Jonathan Roumie	....	location assistant (uncredited)
Marce Sterner	....	location assistant (uncredited)
Jeffrey M. Werner	....	cutting room intern (uncredited)
Tomoko Yamamoto	....	assistant accountant (uncredited)
Howard Young	....	assistant production accountant (uncredited)

Thanks
Lee Lockwood	....	special thanks
George Silk	....	special thanks

Production Companies

• Village Roadshow Pictures
• NPV Entertainment
• Baltimore Pictures
• Spring Creek Productions
• Face Productions
• Tribeca Productions

Distributors

• Warner Bros. Pictures (1999) (USA) (theatrical)
• Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) (2002) (USA) (TV) (broadcast premiere)
• Warner Bros. (1999) (Argentina) (theatrical)
• Warner Bros. (1999) (Czech Republic) (theatrical)
• Warner Bros. (1999) (Germany) (theatrical)
• Warner Bros. (1999) (France) (theatrical)
• Warner Bros. (1999) (Netherlands) (theatrical)
• Argentina Video Home (1999) (Argentina) (DVD)
• Argentina Video Home (1999) (Argentina) (VHS)
• Warner Home Video (2000) (Netherlands) (VHS)
• Warner Home Video (2002) (Netherlands) (DVD)
• Warner Home Video (1999) (Netherlands) (DVD) (VHS)
• Warner Home Vídeo (Brazil) (DVD)
• Warner Home Vídeo (Brazil) (VHS)

Special Effects

• Balsmeyer and Everett (digital visual effects)

Other Companies

• AT Venture  film services
• Balsmeyer and Everett  titles
• Cecil B. DeMeals  craft service
• Deluxe Catering  catering
• Pacific Title/Mirage  titles and opticals
• Panavision  camera and lenses
• Technicolor  color timing
• Technicolor  prints

MPAA:

Rated R for language, a scene of sexuality and some violence.

Runtime:

103 min | Argentina:109 min

Country:

USA | Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Australia:M (re-rating) | Argentina:13 | Australia:MA | Belgium:KT | Canada:14A | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Germany:12 (w) | Hong Kong:IIB | Ireland:15 | Netherlands:12 | Norway:15 | Peru:14 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:M18 | Singapore:PG (cut) | South Korea:18 | Spain:13 | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | Taiwan:GP | UK:15 | USA:R (certificate #36441) | Iceland:12 | Philippines:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Bal Harbour, Florida, USA

Company:

Village Roadshow Pictures

Trivia:

Originally, the scene in which the couple is discussing their problems in bed with Dr. Sobel (Billy Crystal) was supposed to include only the woman and Dr. Sobel, but Crystal thought it would be funnier if the two of them were present. The man playing the husband is the head of the sound department for the movie, Les Lazarowitz, who being a heavyset guy made the scene even more comical. He deferred the sound mixing duties to his assistant while this scene was being filmed. Ironically, Lazarowitz was the boom operator (uncredited) in the fruit stand scene of The Godfather (1972), when they try to kill Vito Corleone. That same scene was parodied in Analyze This.

Goofs:

Continuity: The two mermaids in the pool at the back of the bar are shown wearing goggles in some shots but not in others.

Quotes:

Jelly: I'm gonna get a bite to eat. You wanna sandwich or somethin'?
Guard: What kind of sandwich ain't too fattening?
Jelly: A half a sandwich.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Sopranos: Guy Walks Into a Psychiatrist's Office (#2.1)" (2000)

Soundtrack:

When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)

Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal form the perfect shtick. *** out of ****.

ANALYZE THIS / (1999) ***

It has been a long time since I have seen a comic duo form a better shtick than Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal in the mob comedy "Analyze This," a smart, amusing satire from director Harold Ramis ("Multiplicity," "Groundhog Day"). For a movie like this to succeed past a commercial level, chemistry between the main characters must be amiable and spirited. Crystal and DeNiro indeed mold amiable incentive between themselves, therefore quite a few hilarious moments emerge from their perception of the well-written script by Kenneth Lonergan, Peter Tolan, and Ramis himself.

"Analyze This" details the lives of two very different individuals. The first person is played by Billy Crystal, a calm, cool, and collected psychiatrist named Ben Sobol, who is divorced with a young teenage son and is engaged to soon wed a resigning TV reporter named Laura MacNamara (Lisa Kudrow). Ben is currently dealing with a emotional patient (Molly Shannon) distressed because her spouse left and filed a restraining order on her. This woman's problems will seem like nothing when Ben obtains his new client.

Robert DeNiro plays the second person this movie examines, the most powerful mobster in the city of New York, Paul Vitti. He and his accomplices, including a chubby and clumsy bodyguard named Jelly (Joe Viterelli), are in the process of significant business when Vitti experiences an anxiety attack. On the road to a nervous breakdown, this emotionally vulnerable man comes to Ben after Jelly briefly encounters the therapist during a minor car accident. Ben is very nervous with his new patient, who forces compliments and demands upon him.

The first confrontation sequence between Ben and Paul is quite engaging. There is an instant odd couple chemistry among the two characters. The witty sessions Sobol and Vitti consummate are also very imaginative and smart. The scenes also have the intelligence to take Vitti's emotional problems seriously.

The setup accurately introduces both the gangsters and the psychiatrist's family. We understand the mob boss's feelings of stress and depression; this picture is not all shallow slapstick comedy, there is a dimensional human touch. The film takes its conflicts seriously, but executes them in a cute humorous style. The audience can also relate to Billy Crystal's character, who is an average Joe with a typical American family in a complicated situation in which he is not entirely sure how to handle.

Both external and internal conflicts are interestingly accomplished, well structured, presented, and written. The film does a good job of convincingly bringing the world of mobsters to life with well-cast actors and their rich, stylish accents.

Paul Vitti's sexual life needed more exploration; although his adulterous intentions do induce a few laughs, the story could have gone somewhere with his infidelity. Vitti's family is also irresolute. The film almost never portrays them on screen and seldom does Paul himself discuss his children and wife. The Lisa Kudrow character is furthermore underwritten, never thoroughly examined and very shallow. The lack of chemistry amid Kudrow and Crystal leads to the unconvincing relationship Ben occupies.

Robert DeNiro is the perfect option for the comic role of Paul Vitti, who is a more difficult character than it may appear. DeNiro triggers a sharp comic edge and gives the right amount of exaggerated sentimentality to Vitti. Lisa Kudrow is fun to watch, producing a dim-minded character whimsically similar to the one in her hit TV sitcom "Friends." Chazz Palminteri and Joe Viterelli contribute different but energetic supporting roles.

"Analyze This" is unmistakably the right kind of movie for Billy Crystal. I am unaware of another Hollywood comedian who could have conquered his role with more proficiency and mirth; he is one of the main components that makes "Analyze This" work well. Harold Ramis's comedy obviously borrows ideas from past comparable films like "Grosse Point Blank" and "Mafia," but as this production proves, just because it was done before doesn't mean it cannot be successfully accomplished again with the right casting.