1992 feels like a long time ago; can you imagine a genial character comedy about a street-savvy lawyer wowing the world in 2022? Probably not, and yet back in the 1990’s, sleeper hits like Jonathan Lynn’s comedy, based on Dale Launer’s script could generate significant coin. My Cousin Vinny may not push the envelope cinematically, but made an impression on pop-culture; as the world sniggers nervously at the disgrace of Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani, the spectre of Vinny Gambrini is never far from the thoughts of commentators.
Launer’s script starts simply enough; two lads (Ralph Macciho and Mitchell Whitfield) stop at a convenience store in Alabama, and absent-mindedly shoplift a tin of tuna. Minutes later, the bodega is robbed, the owner killed, and the boys are wrongfully arrested; how to prove their innocence in court? Step forward cousin Vinny (Joe Pesci), a lawyer of dubious pedigree, who agrees to take the case, knowing that there’s a potential death sentence for the boys if he fails. But while there’s a matter of life and death involved, My Cousin Vinny is a light comedy, and the interplay of Vinny and mechanic’s daughter Mona Lisa Vito (Marisa Tomei) provides a solid centre, and she got an Oscar for her work here.
For once, My Cousin Vinny is a film about legal matters that serves as an education; we learn, with the argumentative Vinny, what the rules of the trial will be, and they’re presented in detail. Even better, the conflict of Brooklyn New Yorkers vs Southern establishment figures is presented in an even handed way; the judge, prosecution and other court figures are professional, open-minded characters who eventually recognise the error of the prosecution. Equally, the joke is on Vinny and Mona Lisa as they misjudge various aspects of Southern hospitality; there’s a simple but effective joke about what annoying event wakes up Vinny in the morning, unwisely residing in accommodation booked without much local knowledge or consideration.
Indeed, Vinny’s whole ruse depends on the trial judge (Fred Gwynne) not being wise to his lack of experience; the prospect of a mistrial hovers over the final revelations in the court. It takes days for the authorities to check Vinny’s credentials, which would be authenticated (or not) in seconds in the internet age. My Cousin Vinny may not have spawned sequels, remakes or even a tv show, but it’s still a minor gem of a movie, without pretention, but smart and clever in the way the narrative brings all sides together in the on-going search for elusive, precious justice.
Surprising that for a positive review this still merited only three stars. It’s a stone cold classic, maybe not five-star material but not far off. Never mind working out the clues in hilarious fashion and Tomei’s mechanical knowledge knocking a strip off everyone, but the condescending judge, the whole set-up is just terrific. Maybe you should acknowledge another mistake.
Sigh. It’s a nice little film, seeks only to entertain, star ratings are for fridge ice-boxes….
Hi there, when are you telling us the answers for the Xmas quiz or have I missed your post?
It’s coming ! Within the next two days! Promise!
Will keep my eyes peeled.. hope you are having a good 2022…
I was almost afraid to read your review, because if you trashed My Cousin Vinny it would’ve seriously impeded our friendship. A great film, and one I watched not all that long ago when it popped up on television when I was traveling. It really used to bug me that Marisa Tomei’s work here often showed up on lists of least-deserving Oscar winning performances. Actually, it still bugs me. It’s just that she’s dropped off the lists now in placer of newer victims.
It’s a risk I had to take; I have already been questioned about the three star rating. But that’s what I mean by a minor gem. It’s about as substantial as an episode of Murder She Wrote, with little time for identifying the real suspects. Awards voters and critics seem to despise light entertainment and comedy, and favour po-faced drama and mimicking the disabled or infamous. Tomei is great here, and fully deserves her win. I wish more films would aim for and hit such simple goals as a good character comedy, and this is one. Deeply unfashionable sentiments, I know, but I’ve got lots of them on tap…
Isn’t Tomei the woman who plays Aunt May in the Tom Holland run of Spiderman movies?
She is, but this is a more substantial work.
I guess we’ll find out in another 30 years.
What are you going to do if you’re dead though? Let your hologrammed online self argue with Alex?
We will all be 3D holograms in the Smithsonian by then…
Not me!
I plan on becoming an eternal cyborg….
I thought you already were?
It’s the “eternal” part I’m currently working on. You would not BELIEVE how hard it is to find good parts nowadays that will last forever. Bunch of cheap modern junk, grumble, grumble, grumble
That’s why I feel a virtual hologram is the way to go. Saves on travel expenses too.
See, that ease of use is nice, just like ebooks and streaming movies. But when things crash, you’re going to need some physical hardware. That’s why I’m staying with Cyborgs-R-Us….
I’ve uploaded myself onto the Cloud for safe-keeping. No need for a physical manifestation…
Amazon did a show like that. If you died, you got uploaded to the virtual world, as long as you could pay.
Talk about scary!
I’ve pre-paid mine to be on the safe side.
For eternity? That is some credit card you have!
Replacement card not due until beyond eternity, so might as well use that long reach…
Well, as long as you pay it off each month. Otherwise, that interest rate is going to kill you.
I live cash for crypto, saves all the change falling out your pockets when you hang up your pants at night…
How does one hang up hologram pants anyway?
From a virtual hanger, so they don’t crease…
Huge YEP for this movie, think I’ve seen it 3 times now. Laugh every time and Marisa Tomei is both gorgeous and excellent.
IS THE CORRECT ANSWER! Very amusing, generous film.
Only three stars for a “minor gem”? And The Book of Bubba Fett got four?
I liked them both. My Cousin Vinny is slight stuff, but even 30 years past its sell by, gets a positive review.
How well do you think Boba Feet will hold up in 30 years?
I’m going to come back here and check.
That’s a good question, and things often do get scaled down after the novelty has worn off. See you in 2052!
I love My Cousin Vinny, it’s such a great film. 😀
Totally agree. Just watched last week, and still laughing about it.