Review of My Cousin Vinny (1992) by Lucas M — 25 Mar 2010

Im really not sure why it took me so long to see this, let alone rate and review it. this is a fantastic movie, and one of the few that mixes comedy and courtroom drama together well. the film stars ralph macchio and mitchell whitfield as billy and stan, two friends on vacation who are wrongfully accused of murder.

the evidence found against them is almost overwhelming too, as the real murderers were similar looking and drove an almost identical vehicle as theirs to get away. obviously, they need a lawyer. enter vinny gambini (joe pesci), billy's cousin from new york.

vinny and his fiancee mona (marisa tomei) arrive and stan and billy receive a surprise as vinny has no prior courtroom appearances, and was just recently minted a lawyer. as vinny bumbles along as their lawyer, getting thrown in jail three times for being held in contempt of court in the process, he finds a way to get through the trial with nothing but simple tiny details that he brings to everyone's attention with his fast talking and smart thinking.

this film should be seen by everyone. there is literally nothing wrong with it in any way. it's not dirty at all apart for some language, and it's just all around an incredible achievement in comedy history.

another interesting side note is this was fred gwynne's, famous for playing herman munster in the great 60's sitcom The Munsters, final film prior to his death, and his performance is very very memorable as the strict judge.

also, marisa tomei earned herself an oscar for her performance as the loud talking but very smart mona. what a great film this was. I highly recommend it.