The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: My Cousin Vinny (1992)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

Who do you not want to be going up again in a murder trial? An Italian America. The live to talk and argue. You would have no chance! That is the foundation of the 1992 legal comedy My Cousin Vinny. The legendary Joe Pesci stepped out of the gangster movie or Lethal Weapon worlds and into this fun, entertaining, and endlessly enjoyable romp in the courtroom. Pesci’s Vinny Gambini and his gorgeous, intelligent, and endlessly charming partner Mona Lisa Vito (portrayed to absolute perfectly by Marisa Tomei) find themselves out of their New York bubble and in rural Alabama to represent Vinny’s cousin Bill (Ralph Macchio) and his friend who stand accused of murder. This would not seem like a film that would be one of the biggest films of the year and one that got serious awards consideration…but then again, you shouldn’t bet against an Italian.

What makes this film so charming? This cast is fantastic. From the small character actors filling out minor roles up to the endlessly charismatic leads, My Cousin Vinny just boasts a cast that came to play. Pesci channels every bit of New York Italian in him with his wise cracking attitude, his boisterous approach, and his “rough-around-the-edges” personality. This might not have earned him his Oscar, but this just might be his single most entertaining performance. Tomei is a revelation. She just oozes charisma and charm from every pore. The accent. The hair. The outfits. Alluring and intelligent and resourceful all rolled into one. Macchio does a fine job (he has never been known to be an excellent actor) and works well with Pesci. Television legend Fred Gwynne is a towering presence as Judge Chamberlain Haller with his southern charm, tough demeanor, and excellent banter with Pesci. Lane Smith, James Rebhorn, and Bruce McGill are fine supporting presences in the film. There are a few stand out, minor character performances with Austin Pendleton and Maury Chaykin stealing the scenes they are in.

What makes these performances really pop? This great script from Dale Launer is full of great dialogue and perfect comedic set-ups. Pesci certainly brings a lot of himself to the role but the clunky, awkward, and ignorant verbal expressions in the courtroom that Vinny has are just so funny. The clashing accent opens to the door for plenty of laughs. Yoots…Huh-what…perfect. The whole monologue that Mona Lisa has about the “doe-eyed little deer” is one of the funniest stories told in a movie ever. There are plenty of running gags that are just perfect too. The loud train and its early morning stops resulting in Vinny’s lack of sleep is great. The ever-changing courtroom attire that Vinny wears is a great point of contention between the judge and himself. The running gag about the money and Chris Ellis’ character has one of the best payoffs in the whole film. The mixture of snappy dialogue and great situation humor makes this a timeless comedy.

But this isn’t just a comedy, is it? This is a fantastic courtroom drama as well. The mystery at the heart of the film really works. This all starts with the lost in communication initial interrogation involving Macchio’ and Mitchell Whitfield getting caught up in a misunderstanding by McGill’s Sheriff Farley. The journey that Vinny goes on as he goes from inept in the courtroom to outsmarting and navigating every bit of evidence is a wonderful thing to behold. The courtroom antics from Vinny’s endless contempt charges to his impressive cross-examination skills make the whole film come together. The interactions between Pesci and the perfectly cast residents make for so many great moments in the film. But the final cross examination of Mona Lisa as an automobile expert is something to admire. Perfectly staged. Crisply written. The performances tie it all together. What a wonderful bit of storytelling and comedy.

How much of a must-see experience is My Cousin Vinny? This should fly to the top of your watchlist. This film is endlessly funny. There are so many wonderful gags, bits of dialogue, and physical experiences. The film is excellently written with all the comedy and courtroom elements naturally threading together. Pesci and Tomei are “must see” with these performances. For all the paisans out there, this is so authentic in its Italian American representation as well. Make sure to head over to Peacock to check it out because…your biological clock is ticking!

My Cousin Vinny is streaming on Peacock.