Hello Film Fanatics,
We all need a laugh as fall continues to rear its ugly head and the weather worsens. This week, I have chosen the classic comedy My Cousin Vinny(1992) to review. This movie has genuinely great performances by Ralph Macchio, Joe Pesci, and Marisa Tomei. Marisa Tomei also won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in her role as Mona Lisa Vito in 1993. However, I wanted to see if this movie holds up to its Oscar-worthy title. Do the references and comedy match the taste of today’s audience? Or will this movie be left in the dust as a remembered classic but not enjoyed anymore?
My Cousin Vinny (1992) follows two university students from New York traveling across the country on a road trip. While in Alabama, these two students find themselves in quite a predicament. They are blamed for the murder of a man at a convenience store. Bill, played by Ralph Macchio, decides to call his Cousin Vinny, played by Joe Pesci, to use as his lawyer. Vinnie needs to be more truthful about his credentials as a lawyer. He is still at the point where he is still studying law and still needs to take the bar exam. However, he travels to Alabama with his fiance, Mona, played by Marisa Tomei, to seek justice for his cousin. The trial which takes place is full of shenanigans and laughs. However, will this unlicensed lawyer be able to free his cousin from life of wrong imprisonment, or will he fail?
Dale Launer wrote this movie, and director duties were given to Jonathan Lynn. Jonathan Lynn was selected due to his extensive history of directing comedy movies in the ’80s and ’90s. The cast is littered with stars across the film—most notably Ralph Macchio, famous from The Karate Kid franchises Joe Pesci and Marissa Tomei. Over the years, this movie has become a cult classic due to the beautiful performances of the three main stars.
My first experience with Cousin Vinny was three years ago. My stepfather, Jeff, constantly quoted this movie, especially one scene in the courtroom. After his constant persuasion, I decided to give this movie a chance. At the first watch, I found myself belly laughing constantly due to the comedic timings of Joe Pesci, who steals many of the film’s scenes. Being a New Yorker myself, I could relate to many of the situations in which Vinny found himself.
When approaching this movie for a second watch, I still found myself laughing at the same shenanigans that Vinny found himself in. I did not see any flaws associated with this movie. The masterful performances by the three stars are perfection. The writing in the film is sharp and highly witty.
For that reason, I give My Cousin Vinny(1992) 10 movie projectors out of 10 for me, finding no flaws associated with the movie. This nostalgic cult classic truly holds up. I highly recommend putting on this comedic classic if you need a laugh during this dreadful time of the year.
I have a question for my audience: Does this movie hold up? What quotes do you find yourself routinely saying from this movie?
- The Nostalgic Film Critic
