My Cousin Vinny [DVD] [1992]

Subtly employing the city mouse/country mouse theme, MY COUSIN VINNY is a light-hearted courtroom comedy. While it occasionally stoops to some stereotyping, the movie doesn't do so mean-spiritedly. In any event, both sides get equal skewering. Vinny Gambini, brilliantly portrayed by Joe Pesci, is a Brooklyn boy who has finally passed the Bar (after repeated failures) and now finds himself defending his nephew and his nephew's friend against murder charges in the Bible Belt. Along with his too beautiful fiancee, played by Academy Award Winner Marissa Tomei, Pesci investigates the southern style of life, as he fathoms southern courtroom procedures and tries to get some sleep. The resulting clash of cultures is sometimes predictable, but honestly, is very inventive for the most part. The comedy of the court room scenes is heightened by the late Fred Gwynne who plays the presiding judge. His by-the-book habits and short-fused temper are a perfect foil to Vinny's laconic style. It is their interaction that feeds most of the cultural clashing. But there is also a clash of the sexes that underlies the film, as Vinny stubbornly refuses the help of his fiancee. This confrontation is also highlighted in the courtroom when the DA refuses to believe that she could possibly be considered an expert in automechanics, even though her brothers, her father, her uncles, and just about everyone else in her family are expert mechanics. (The DA becomes convinced in a wonderful cross-interview scene.) MY COUSIN VINNY was both critically well-received and a huge box-office success. There's a reason for that: it is a well-written, well-directed and perfectly acted comedy that stands up well even after repeated viewings. See it for yourself and you'll understand why, too.

I saw this movie before and it's hilarious. The clash of cultures from the New York Italians and the southerners in the small town is really funny, but also respectful in the sense that no one is portrayed as a 'bad' person or from a 'bad' culture. They're just different, but everyone is a decent human being at heart. Some people have told me it couldn't be made today. More terrifying, an attorney told me it's standard viewing in law schools because the premise happens all of the time ! That is, innocent guys are charged with murder because they were driving car similar to the car driven by a murderer (the only bad guy in the movie, and who is never shown). His cousin Vinny, and his girl friend, however, are able to prove it's a different car.

I first saw this movie shortly after its original release on a flight home from Hawaii. If you're familiar with Zjoel Pesci's repertoire then watching him act in this film will verify, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Pesci is one of the most versatile, talented actors in the business. Marissa Tomei's performance is also classic and unforgettable. Since that first viewing, fifteen yo twenty years ago, I've found this to be a movie I can watch 6 to 8 times per year and thoroughly enjoy it while laughing out loud every time. The casting is superb and the laughs are non stop.

There is quite a bit of language in this movie, so be warned that it may not be for children or younger teens. The F-bomb is used quite a bit. Despite that, this movie shows that Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, Ralph Macchio, and the rest of the cast all show off their excellent acting skills. Fred Gwynne does a great job as a no-nonsense judge with little tolerance for Vinny's rather unique mannerisms. This is a great comedy movie. I recommend this, but don't watch it with young children or younger teens.

Joe Pesci is perfect casting as the title character, a novice lawyer who is brought down to Alabama to defend his cousin and his pal (Ralph Macchio & Stuart Whitfield, respectively) when they are falsely accused of murder. Wonderfully complementing him are Marisa Tomei as his sarcastic sweetie, Lane Smith as the prosector he must lock horns with in the courtroom, and (in one of the all time great swan songs for any actor) Fred Gwynne as the judge, who makes no secret of his disapproval of Vinny's tactics. The resolution to the two boys' case may be a tad confusing, but you won't mind because you'll be busy laughing.

Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei star as 2 amateur lawyers(who did not pass the bar) to defend their nephew and his friend from a murder rap. He learns court procedure as he goes and with the help of his observant and street smart girlfriend, takes on the establishment to prove his nephew's innocence. Lots of funny scenes and lots of "pre-planning" to pull off the stunt. well written, excellent acting(best performances for both Marisa Tomei and Joe Pesci). Excellent chemistry between them. Both are underrated actor/actress of this generation. Highly recommended. rating 4.5

This movie is hilarious in its portrayal of (albeit stereotypical) north - south and city - country differences in America. Joe Pesci is Vinny, the quintessential New York Italian- American male, and Maria Tomei nearly steals the show as his female counterpart. They are cultural fish out of water in an Alabama deep south town as Pesci tries to defend his cousin in a murder trial in a case of mistaken identity. All the cast is outstanding and the comedy ranges from puns, to slapstick, to high irony. Enjoy!

Great film, though not many extras on this edition. Nothing like setting a movie in the redneck deep south for some urban Italians. The banter and zest of Pesci and Tomei (Oscar winning role for her), especially in their scenes together, is great to watch. Fred Gwynne aka Herman Munster is also great in what was one of his very last film roles. "And lets not forget about your (rhythmically stomps feet) biological clock."