Review of My Cousin Vinny (1992) by Tonygreen — 04 Feb 2023
At face value this is a mass-appeal 1990s popcorn comedy-drama flick. And it is that to be sure. The comedy is more character driven than gag based, and for me the middle section was a bit flat in terms of laughs.
However there are so many well done parts that add up to the whole. There is a great funny and moving court scene drama. The peril that the accused New Yorkers are in feels real and urgent throughout. Some of the comedy weaves directly into the plot (the alternate lwayer) so there is an eventual comedic payoff, but it also very cleverly becomes a plot point.
For a "dumb" comedy it is all very artfully done.
A lot of little things warm my heart to this movie. Much of the comedy derives from a clash of cultures shtick that plays on broad stereotypes but knows when to draw back and subvert expectations. There are also some really subtle jokes like Mona's (Marisa Tomei) constant wardrobe changes - she has a new dazzling outfit every day it seems.
Overall there is a little bit of x-factor magic in the execution that raises it above so many other movies with this sort of fish-out-of-water premise.
Recommended as a light but engaging fun movie.
This review of My Cousin Vinny (1992) was written by Tonygreen on 04 Feb 2023.
My Cousin Vinny has generally received very positive reviews.
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