'My Cousin Vinny' - Underrated Film Review

This is the third instalment in my underrated films series, where I am reviewing films that I believe are underrated within the film industry.

CLICK HERE to see my review of 'Frances', and CLICK HERE to see my review of 'Cake'.

This review is of the 1992 classic 'My Cousin Vinny'

This is a film that has received some backlash over the years. People were not happy when Marisa Tomei won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Mona Lisa Vito despite being a huge underdog for the esteemed prize. There was even rumours swirling around that she had won by mistake, and that 74 year old presenter Jack Palance called out her name by accident. 

These are all made up rumours by people who were upset that a comedy film was getting such high recognition, as the Oscars usually favour dramatic pictures. I do agree that the acting in more serious movies is often better than those of other genres, but I believe that Marisa Tomei's is one of the few comedic performances that thoroughly deserved the honour of being nominated and winning. She paved the way for future funny women to also get nominated, such as Melissa McCarthy in 2012 for her role in 'Bridesmaids'. 

'My Cousin Vinny' is the story of two young New Yorkers are accused of murder after a series of unfortunate incidents whilst driving through rural Alabama. They cannot afford an attorney so have to call for help from one of the boy's lawyer cousin, Vinny. Vinny has only worked on personal injury cases before, and none of them have ended successfully, but he is determined to to get the two teenagers off the hook. 

Joe Pesci plays the part of the titular character, and Marisa Tomei plays his fiancee. They both have you laughing out loud with their excellent comedic timing. The character Vinny is having a hard time taking on his first trial, but his underdog status and determined attitude has you backing him throughout the whole film. Vinny and Lisa use their New York street smarts to prove to the rural townsfolk that this case is not cut and dry. Pesci and Tomei have you believing in these characters as though they were real.

This film has had some bad press just because some people don't think it should have won that Oscar, but if you watch it you may change your mind. All of the actors play their parts well, you can believe their emotions, and get onto their side, and Marisa Tomei is the main one to achieve this.

'My Cousin Vinny' is a comedy movie, but not your usual slapstick physical comedy, it has hilarious dialogue instead. If you are a fan of this genre then you should watch it, as it's one of the best out there. If you are in the mood for an extremely well written and well acted picture then also look no further than here, I very highly recommend this movie.

I give the 'My Cousin Vinny' a high 7 out of 10.