Robert DeNiro may be regarded as one of Hollywood's greatest actors having played legendary roles in The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Mean Streets and The Deer Hunter, but take note that none of these films are particularly humorous.  DeNiro returns to the SNL stage for his third time and seems to lack the enthusiasm and obvious youth that past hosts this season (Hathaway, Hamm, Stone) have carried.  His eyes were noticeably glued onto the cue cards the whole night and his delivery was stony and cold.  Moreover, he played himself for most of the night.  Unlike Hathaway's can-do attitude and sheer excitement, DeNiro carried a nonchalant attitude, as if just making the motions through an episode of a show that was too much below him.

Cold Open – This sketch began as a message from President Obama (Fred Armisen), only to be infiltrated by the Wikileaks founder (Bill Hader).  Visibly discontent with the lack of uproar over the leaked files, the Wikileaks founder decided to make a tabloid version of the leaked political files: Wikileaks, TMZ.  Highlight of the sketch – seeing Hillary Clinton being played by a castmember who was not Amy Poehler.  Vanessa Bayer took on the role but it's far too early to critique her impersonation.  But we did get to see Ms. Hillary herself with no panties on!

Monologue – Of course, the always delightful Robert DeNiro began his monologue by telling the audience to “shut up,” and then proceeding to explain why he loved New York City through blatantly incorrect statements such as “New York: the land of the free and the home of the Atlanta Braves.”  He closed his monologue by proclaiming, “I'm so excited to be hosting the greatest show in New York, 'Friday Night Lights'!”  Props to SNL for making this simple but funny monologue for DeNiro – it was one of the few things that genuinely worked for the host.

Book Commercial – DeNiro played a John Grisham-type author, promoting his new book, The Abacus Conundrum.  Again, this sketch fit DeNiro's dry, unemotional sense of humor but just seemed to fall short of humorous.

What's Up With That – I still don't understand the appeal to the sketch; every reappearance of What's Up With That is a carbon copy of the last sketch.  Of course, Kenan danced and sang, Sudeikis danced in a jumpsuit, Armisen played the saxophone in the background but this time, we got a special guest from an Oompa Loompa and Darth Vader.  The guests that joined Kenan this week were Robert DeNiro, Robin Williams (cameo!) and the every silent Lindsey Buckingham.  Except this week, DeNiro's character became incredibly pissed off at the abrupt sing-song nature of the talkshow and picks a small fight with Thompson's character.

Mr. Produce – Mr. Produce (DeNiro) welcomed the audience to his show about his home-grown vegetables, only to realize his vegetables are all in horrible-shape, thanks to the apathetic efforts of his son (Andy Samberg).  DeNiro carried this sketch surprisingly well as messy father-son relationship issues were explored between him and Samberg's character; Mr. Produce exclaiming to his son, “I'll take you to a country where the beating of children is encouraged!”

Digital Short: Party at Mr. Bernard's – A spoof of Weekend at Bernie's, Samberg and Hader played two guys who decide to carry-on with a party even after realizing Mr. Bernard's death.  Chaos ensued but hilarity didn't.

Weekend Update – This week, Update anchor Seth Meyers was joined by the Kardashian sisters and Broadway Spiderman.  Abby Elliott, Nasim Pedrad, and Vanessa Bayer impersonated Khloe, Kim, and Kourtney, respectively – the valley girl accents and banal voices used captured the essence of the sisters perfectly and it was refreshing seeing the other female castmembers (anyone not named Kristen Wiig) being spotlighted.  Andy Samberg played the Spiderman actor of the Broadway production who talks about the show's current technical difficulties.  The grand finale – an invitation for Seth to accompany Samberg with an upside-down Spidey-Mary Jane kiss.

Movie Fan – Bobby Moynihan has the talent of being incredibly hilarious but also incredibly annoying at the same time, which is a perfect combination for his impersonations of Guy Fieri and Snooki.  Unfortunately, he was just irritating in this sketch, as he played an avid Meet the Fockers fan who relishes in all things Focker except Robert DeNiro.  And what's a Meet the Fockers sketch without a cameo from Ben Stiller!

Blizzard Man – Who ever would've thought DeNiro would have such vivacious hips in drag as a mother?  It's the return of the Blizzard Man, Andy Samberg's white rapper with absolutely no game, rhyme or rhythm.  Except this time, he's caught Diddy's eye.  Seeing Diddy grinding with DeNiro's dragged self was the only part of the sketch that made me bear a grin but even so, this sketch went nowhere.

Vinnie Talks to Robert DeNiro – Bill Hader returned to his role of all things Italian-stereotype hosts, Vinnie.  This time, he talked to Robert DeNiro, with whom he exchanged some bland banter.  Highlight: DeNiro unconsciously pulling out his classic line, “you talkin' to me?”

Bosley Hair Restoration – A repeat of a commercial from earlier in the season.  Transplanting pubic hair onto balding heads never fails to make me laugh, though.

Mullin's Bar – Oh hey, lazy ten-to-one sketch.  In a typical “last ten-minutes of the show,” fashion, this sketch was put together hastily and just generally unnecessary.  Samberg and Sudeikis played two guys who had to exchange sexual pleasures with a gross looking/beared Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller in return for drinks at the bar.

I, Hippie – Forty seconds of early 90's SNL star, Dana Carvey's talent wasted on a short cartoon of a hippie man working at Burger King.

Musical Guest – Diddy Dirty Money hit the stage, performing “Coming Home” and the gracefully titled, “Ass on the Floor,”  where Swizz Beatz made an appearance.  I really doubt anyone cares anymore about Diddy and his 20,000^th group/name change, although I have to say, “Coming Home,” is surprisingly catchy.

Overall Episode: B-

Holistically, the episode wasn't awful with spurts of truly funny stuff (Weekend Update, Mr. Produce, Cold Open) mixed in-between stale recurring sketches (What's Up With That, Vinnie).  It was just a little disappointing that such a huge Hollywood star seemed so uncomfortable and apathetic on the SNL stage – I would argue that his presence actually hindered the show.  Regardless, it's an accomplishment getting Robert DeNiro to host your show.

Next Week... rising funnyman Paul Rudd hosts while original Beatles' member Paul McCartney serves as musical guest.