Filmmaker reacts to My Cousin Vinny (1992) for the FIRST TIME!

[@roberthaines1227]

Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for her role, well deserved.

[@BemkyWatchesBuffy]

every time I watch this I'm even more amazed at how talented she is

[@markplott4820]

Marissa oral Talent is amazing .

[@timreno72]

@@markplott4820 .....and HOT!!!

[@andreadeamon6419]

She was on as the world turns when i started watching it along with meg ryan and Julianne Moore

[@misscee6629]

Well deserved

[@rossqpd]

Fred Gwynne who played the judge was probably best known for playing Herman Munster in The Munsters as well as staring in the original Pet Cemetery. Also stood out in The Boy Who Could Fly. Loved his role in this film as he was stern, humorous but fair. As you said his facial expressions are fantastic!

[@mikeshoe74]

It's a shame he never gets recognized by the younger generations. I'm a child of the 80's and we were shocked to see him in this role.

[@matta5498]

and, "The Secret of My Success"

[@TheDeadStretch]

@@solicitr666 Him and "Grandpa" were on that one.

[@andrewkelley434]

He was also close friends with Joe Pesci :)

[@1Cheytown]

This was his last role as he passed within a year of its release

[@DrBeardfacePA]

Every My Cousin Vinny reaction I’ve seen is also a “watch someone fall in love with Marisa Tomei” video.

[@imetzl9340]

According to lawyers like LegalEagle, this movie is basically shown in Law School as an example. Very accurate example of verbiage and proceedings

[@shainewhite2781]

Marisa Tomei took home the Oscar for Best Actress in this movie.

[@JamesVSCinema]

As she should, I loved her in this.

[@jamesmoyner7499]

Supporting Actress, not leading.

[@harish123az]

@@jamesmoyner7499 Who was the leading actress in the movie if she was just billed as supporting?

[@tbone35453]

@@harish123az To be nominated for Best Leading Actress she would have had to be the main protagonist. In this movie the lead is Joe Pesci.

[@michaelfox3940]

I remember her Immediately being a household name when this movie came out.

[@alwayzchillin0714]

You know when filming the night in the woods they meant for Vinny to get a good nights sleep but an owl showed up when shooting and they thought it was too perfect to pass up. 😂

[@westEOD]

Think about the fact that this movie was able to get the viewer so invested and it translated the (very high) stakes involved so well, all without having a "bad guy". Every character is just faithfully doing their job or reporting what they perceived (even if they were ultimately shown to be mistaken). It would have been easy (but lazy) for the writers to cram some convoluted plot about how the residents of this town were knowingly railroading these two kids into the electric chair. Instead, they made it more realistic (all characters acting honestly and sincerely) while maintaining an amazing amount of entertainment value. That's great writing.

[@ItsLexy]

You know I've probably seen this movie a half hundred times over my life but it's not until watching this reaction and you pointing it out that I noticed the great camera angles. That's why I love watching reactions, you can genuinely learn something new about your favorite movies by watching with somebody else's eyes.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Love to hear this! 🤘🏽

[@tamarleigh]

Well said. I was going to comment with the same sentiment.

[@deeanna8448]

I agree. When I watch movies, I never pay attention to music, scores, lighting, and camera angles. However, when it's pointed out, I appreciate how much better they made the film experience.

[@Wolf21973]

All these years and I still laugh when he walks out the cabin just randomly blastin 😆 Also rip to Fred Gwynne

[@andreadeamon6419]

Think the da passed also

[@brandimurray1984]

Your face when the public defender started stuttering had me rolling lol

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahahaha I was dying. 😭

[@gregall2178]

@@JamesVSCinema If you watch this again, focus on the actors in the background during his opening statement. Might add to your thought about it being fun on the set 😀

[@JackOiswatching]

"Oh no. Ooooh no. These kids are gonna die." My reaction exactly! 😆

[@solezeta1314]

As far as lawyers as concerned, they will tell you this movie is by far the most accurate portrayal of legal procedure and court strategy.

[@kathyastrom1315]

One of the things I love about that final courtroom scene is that, as smart as Lisa is about cars, so is Vinny-he knew that something was up when he saw the photo of the tire tracks and knew exactly what she would also notice when he made her actually look at them closely. He does what every good attorney knows to do, never ask a question of a witness for which you don’t already know the answer.

[@KS-xk2so]

Yeah a lot of people miss this.... which I never got... like, did you not see him send the Sherriff off to look up any 1963 Pontiac Tempests with Metallic Mint Green paint involved in crimes lol

[@brauliob]

And he knew her intelligence that she would recognize what he saw! He had to avoid "leading the witness."

[@enicole1203]

I think about this a lot, he would have had to know everything she knew in order to even know to put her on the stand and tell the Sheriff what to look for. I wonder if a lot of people miss that or pick up on it

[@DerMoerpler]

@@brauliob I don't know if he did it in the movie (been a while), but since Lisa was refusing to answer him he could ask the judge to treat her as hostile, which would allow leading questions. I like to think Vinny antagonized her at least a bit on purpose to have that as a backup option.

[@jonsparks1776]

As a former DA and someone who taught trial advocacy in law school, this movie is one of Hollywood's best representations of how a courtroom works in a criminal proceeding. Does that mean it's completely accurate? Hell no, they get lots of things wrong, taking liberties where they need to for the movie - and I have no problem with that cuz it's an effin awesome movie. But they get a lot right too.

[@JamesVSCinema]

That’s awesome to hear! Glad to see them really go in on that!

[@stevenwoodward5923]

The one thing I always noticed that they do wrong is entering the well

[@famat161]

After the trial as Pesci tries to get away but the judge catches up with him and holds his hand out to shake Pesci's hand, Pesci holds both hands up because he's expecting the judge to put the hand cuffs on him.

[@alwayzchillin0714]

One of my all-time favs. Some of my favorite lines. -What is a yoot? -What’re you a f**cking world traveler? -Are you suuure? How could you be so sure? -Maybe it’s time for a thicker set? -Not to mention, your…biological clock. -She’s cute too huh? Yes, very. 😂

[@johnfriday5169]

Dead on balls accurate... it's an industry term Everything that guy said is bullshit Two of my favorites

[@jasonremy1627]

The entire series of exchanges with the pool hustlers is also perfect.

[@apexshaver7301]

Don't forget "oh, you blend"

[@joenobody5631]

​@@apexshaver7301 Tremendous line.

[@DaringDasher]

Marisa Tomei remains iconic. Well deserved Oscar win for this.

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

The tilted camera angle is called "Dutch angle." It was pioneered by the German expressionists in the early days of cinema. The most famous example is in The Third Man. Marisa Tomei won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. There were rumors that someone had made a mistake and the award went to the wrong person. It was terribly unfair to Tomei, who was really great in the role. Most actors say that comedy is harder than drama. And, as we know now, if they do give the award to the wrong person, they correct it immediately. Fred Gwynne played Judge Haller. Before this movie, he was best known for playing Officer Muldoon in the sitcom Car 54, Where Are You? and Herman Munster in the TV series The Munsters. Judge Haller was one of his last roles. He died the year after My Cousin Vinny was released.

[@sherigrow6480]

Loved The Third Man,

[@subitman12]

I was going to say the same thing about the "Dutch angle". I was going to be sure that someone else had said it as I didn't want to be repeating so I checked the comments out. Great job at knowing about film making. I'm glad that someone else knows.

[@cyberpunkspacejams]

Don't forget Judd from Pet Sematary

[@subitman12]

A fun event thing the Amish do is a bbq. They would dig a long wide pit in the ground. Then they put hot coals in with a marinated whole pig and unshucked corn on top with more coals. Then they put the dirt back in overnight until dinner. My submarine crew did it in Hawaii when I was there. It's one of the softest meat. If you want to order online, try looking up pulled pork.

[@shesemerald2011]

Marisa Tomei is a frickin goddess. Ive said it since '93.

[@psychorook]

The judge was Herman Munster on The Munsters.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Yeah I had a damn great time with this..unexpected banger. Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day!

[@johncampbell756]

The rare film that is a great comedy and accurate enough to be played by law schools.

[@markplott4820]

James - do you reconize the Judge ? its FRED Guyine from Car 54 where are you , and the Munsters.

[@markplott4820]

James - joe peshi vs Whitness = are you sure about the 5 minutes, Did you Order the Code red ?

[@markplott4820]

Joe Pechi is KOBE Bryant making 3 pointers in the Corners.

[@rubensalvador9422]

I was catching up with your older reactions of the 1st 2 Lethal Weapon movies, when I see that you reacted to Pesci's My Cousin Vinnie. Great coincidence. Loved your reaction to this movie! I don't know if you recognize Marisa Tomei, she is the MCU's Aunt May in the Spider-Man movies. She is also in the Wrestler, Oscar, and Untamed Heart. I also hope you get a chance to finish the Lethal Weapon series. I think it is one of the best franchises out there.

[@christhornycroft3686]

Really underrated movie and as everyone has mentioned, Marisa Tomei is terrific. She’s not JUST really hot, she’s actually an interesting character. Her scenes are the highlight of a movie that also includes Ralph Macchio and Joe Pesci, 2 incredible actors who are on their a-game. I also like that they don’t bury southern white people, but they definitely don’t ignore the racist history with the remark by the prosecutor about “all our little old ancestors” before they cut to a reaction from a black juror. That was just enough of a reference to the reality of the situation without making it the centrepiece of the movie, which is really about this couple trying to help their nephew and his friend. Nothing is ignored, but the focus is where it belongs in a comedy. It’s not Blazing Saddles. It’s its own thing.

[@mokane86]

Id contend that this movie is very well rated, but just not as well known as it should be!

[@crimsletons90]

Did you just call Ralph Macchio an incredible actor?

[@seandeignan6615]

With respect to your question regarding how accurate the court portrayal is in this movie, it's worth pointing out that the youtube channel Legal Eagle did a reaction to this movie where they gave it a grade for 'Legal Realism'.

[@trol68419]

Marisa Tomei was just resplendent in this movie, and 30 years later she's still just as gorgeous.

[@Fxcloud9]

The judge, Fred Gwynne, played Herman Munster

[@alexa.english174]

I mean, Marisa Tomei be looking fine in this film!

[@fiverx2159]

Pesci plays every role as a mobster. This role is him playing a mobster pretending to be a lawyer

[@kathyastrom1315]

All of the cast in fantastic in this! In addition to our two leads, the judge, the prosecutor, and the witnesses, I also really love the public defender, played by Austin Pendleton, a character actor who I am always glad to see on screen.

[@captainsplifford]

I adore Austin Pendleton (have you seen Hello Again?), but apparently he was severely traumatized by playing this character, because he had had a stutter in real life as a kid, and this just brought it all back to him.

[@roberthaines1227]

This movie is shown to law students at some law schools because it accurately portrays proper court procedures.

[@mikesied]

"whoever this lady is"?? Thats Marissa Tomei who won a oscar for this role. she killed it

[@ptireland]

I can't believe you didn't recognize the genius that is Marissa Tomei.

[@dneill8493]

I love the emotion on Ralph Macchio's face when he hugs Vinny after they win the case. Always puts a little lump in my throat. Despite how funny the movie is it's a reminder of how serious the outcome of the case is.

[@dnllrnt]

(Huge uplifting ending happening in front of our eyes) James: Ay, yo, they were gonna kill those kids...🤣 That timing was 🤌

[@JamesVSCinema]

I didn’t forget! 😭

[@Quixotic1018]

Fred Gwynne who played the judge was the original Herman Munster and he was afraid he would never be seen as anything but Herman until this movie came along and he sank his teeth into the role and nailed it.

[@CrippledMerc]

It’s unfortunate that he passed the following year, as I would’ve loved to see him in more roles like this.

[@vanjr1111]

Fun Fact, The first time I saw Marisa Tomei was "A Different World" 1987

[@aUnhealthybreakfast]

I wonder when James is going to realize that Mona Lisa is Spidermans Aunt May

[@richard_n]

This movie is truly a classic. It gets so many things right whether it's the court proceedings, the humor, or the characters.

[@Jrbrass]

The judge played Herman Munster.

[@CitizenScorn]

Check out "The Super" from 91. Great Pesci old school comedy.

[@Comrade.Question]

I don't know a whole lot about scripts and pacing and the higher level ideas about filmwriting, but it really does feel like this movie has a perfect structure. Nothing is extraneous, every scene has a purpose, all the plot threads wrap up in the end, it's really well designed.

[@KS-xk2so]

Yeah, there is almost no fat on this movie. It's incredibly well written... then you toss in a couple studs like Pesci and Tomei.... no wonder it slaps so hard.

[@kyten4444]

If you like her outfits in this, you will love her outfits in "The Wrestler".

[@tomfowler381]

The judge was played by comedy legend Fred Gwynne. Beginning with Car 54 Where Are You? and The Munsters, he dominated decades of comedic television.

[@everyonelovesmajima]

Everything that guy just said is bullshit, thank you.

[@JamesVSCinema]

😭😭😭

[@everyonelovesmajima]

Not you, James.

[@everyonelovesmajima]

Vs. Cinema

[@CrippledMerc]

I’m no lawyer or law student but I’ve watched lawyers react to this movie and they all tend to say that it’s one of the most accurate depictions of a trial in any movie or show, and that the most unrealistic thing is the timeline of the case itself. But, that’s something that all movies and shows condense for the sake of time, as a real case would obviously take much longer to go through the court system. I love this movie and I’ve been watching it since I was probably 5 or 6. I think Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei did an excellent job with their characters, as did Fred Gwynne as the judge. As a kid I had a huge crush on Marisa Tomei because of this movie. Hell, I still do😂

[@cjpolett2055]

6'5" actor Fred Gwynn was asked to play the judge opposite 5'4" Joe Pesci. Gwynn is best remembered for 2 1960s tv sitcoms: Car 54, Where Are You? and Hermann Munster on The Munsters. In between, he was also a gifted illustrator and published numerous kids books. This was his last role.

[@magicbrownie1357]

In my opinion, one of the greatest comedies ever made. Great performances all around, and very well written. Comedies are so often marginalized as cinema, but this one is nearly perfect.

[@LoneCloudHopper]

Love this movie. It's a classic. Almost every moment is iconic and memorable, even quotable.

[@mrgmusicclass]

This movie was great when it came out. It's even better with age. Lawyers love this too. They say it's the most accurate court portrayal on film. GREAT movie

[@MFSeaMen]

This was the favourite movie of an old friend of mine, and he used to use the phrase The Quintessential Gambini to describe someone who was just so absolutely content in their own skin. I haven’t seen said friend in about a decade, but I still refer to people who know who they are, and appreciate themselves as The Quintessential Gambini.

[@shotsofpadron]

Yeah this movie is highly regarded by most attorneys as one of, if not the, most accurate courtroom movies/tv shows ever. It’s even taught at many law schools because of how accurate it is. I’m pretty sure the director was an actual lawyer, so he wanted to make the movie as accurate as possible (while still taking some liberties). The channel Legal Eagle on here does a really good breakdown of the accuracies in the movie Also, as others have stated, Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for her performance in this. She also plays Aunt May in the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies lol

[@TheSilverJedi]

I’ve heard a number of lawyers on KZbin comment that this is one if the most accurate movies when it comes to courtroom procedures.

[@taiwanwhite5762]

There are a few lawyers who've reacted to this movie who stand by all the courtroom scenes and procedures.

[@willwoll3138]

One of the greatest things with this move, is there is NO bad guy. There are a lot of misunderstanding used for comedy purposes, but everyone in the movie is doing their job with no malicious intent. It is refreshing to see.

[@bobbuethe1477]

This was Marisa Tomei's first major movie role, but television watchers like me knew her as Maggie from season one of "A Different World."

[@jamesmoyner7499]

So this film was supposed to have a sequel following Vinny and his girl doing another case similar to the Nick and Nota Thin Man films, but they could never take the plans off the ground.

[@gmunden1]

The public defender, played by Austin Pendleton, is an amazing actor. You might also like him in the comedy-drama "Guarding Tess" starring Shirley MacClaine , Nicholas Cage, and Edward Albert about the Secret Service detail protecting a former First Lady.

[@pfcampos7041]

This is one of my all-time favorites, I never tire of watching it. I think it's because it is so full of quirky characters and believable actors. They are quirky without being cartoonish. Everyone does a great job with their role even if it's a small part. I could also be partial because I grew up in the south. 😊

[@sntxrrr]

This is just such a fun movie. And Marisa Tomei, I've been a fan ever since.

[@KS-xk2so]

In high school I took a Law class for one single reason. I knew they did mock trials, and I wanted to dismiss my witness with the epic phrase "I got no more use for this guy."

[@youravgjoe42]

I’m also a lawyer. The film as others have said is often used in law school evidence and criminal procedure classes because of its accuracy. Of course, murder trials rarely if ever proceed as quickly as it did in the movie, but aside from small details like that, it really nails it. One of the best aspects of this movie is that aside from the murderers, who aren’t in the film, everyone else has integrity. The prosecutor doesn’t try to push forward when the facts roll in. The Judge is tough, but mostly fair. The witnesses are wrong, but their mistakes are understandable. The public defender tries his best. The sherif tracks down the lead and follows Miranda. Literally everyone is ethical. Also, I think you are completely right that the cinematography is easily over looked in this movie even though it’s fantastic. It’s a nearly flawless movie beginning to end. Thanks for the fun content. Cheers from Philly.

[@matthewford5094]

You are more familiar with Marisa as Aunt May to Tom Holland's Spiderman, which was a bit weird for those of use that knew her from this era and grew up with the Aunt May character being a straight up little-old gray haired lady.

[@larryleyba6496]

You being a film aficionado you have got to watch the film To Kill a Mockingbird. It came out in 1962 and starred Gregory Peck. It was a very intense court drama and a masterful piece of work. It's been a minute since I have checked it out, but I am going to have to revisit that classic again very soon.

[@bsbrocks8]

Yes!! Another of my favorite movies!!

[@ARWG]

One of the greatest, most rewatchable comedies of all time.

[@shsrpr]

11:04 Yep! She won an oscar for this performance!

[@hawkmaster381]

I live about 15 miles from Fred Gwynn’s hometown of Taneytown, Maryland. People that went there said he and his wife would invite them into their home, give them a warm welcome and was super friendly. He was a very kind man, the exact opposite of Judge Haller.

[@stsolomon618]

They showed this film at my local theater with my mom, it's one of her favorites.

[@msmrsro]

I think most would agree that this is one of those movies that you leave on or stop and watch it when you find it on tv.

[@Curraghmore]

Well deserved Oscar for Marisa Tomei.

[@acrobat89]

SU grad here. This movie was shown in our forensics class. A lot focused on how to introduce evidence. The scene where Vinny shows the witness pictures of his windows, "are these your dirty windows, with these dirty screens, and all these trees and bushes. After he gets the witness to answer "yes" to all those questions, when he asks him "can you be sure these two were the people you saw" it doesn't matter if the witness says yes or no. It's already been established that he couldn't see them clearly.

[@Bdixon9158]

I’m a public defender and this is one of the most accurate representations of the courtroom ever. It gets pretty much everything right. My evidence professor actually used it in class.

[@markwillis675]

You should check her out in"The Wrestler" with Micky Rourke.

[@The_Doomed_Sky]

mcv is a long time favorite, I'm always down for watching someone's first time seeing this

[@pcl8993]

This movie has been used in many law classes for how to properly deal with courtroom situations! Good job all the people involved with this movie to bring a lot of courtroom presidents

[@MrZeek1519]

That punch that Vinny landed on the hillbilly for the $200 is a variation of a "Superman Punch" or Flying Punch. I laugh every time I see that scene as Vinny launches himself nearly horizontally.

[@JohnSmith-wh2ob]

A punch mixed with a cross body 😂

[@phillipl.sublett7474]

I took a criminal justice class on trial procedure and evidence, and the professor showed the final trial scene from this movie as an example of how to present evidence and question witnesses.

[@HelloMisterJAMWAH]

I'd do unspeakable things for even a single year of movies like this in the cinema again.

[@nathanridgway7009]

So glad you enjoyed it! My favorite comedy movie ever. I've seen it so many times, and it still makes me laugh. Marisa Tomei won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for this, and she absolutely earned it.

[@skaicash69]

One of my favorite movies of all time

[@ZZ-os4nb]

Great video James. This movie is a favorite amongst lawyers. If you're interested in the accuracy of the court stuff, Legal Eagle did a whole breakdown on how accurate it was. Like a lot of court movies, some parts are very accurate but the reality is, courtrooms can be very boring and some stuff is dramatized/exaggerated for cinema.

[@dnish6673]

The evidentiary stuff is almost 100% on. The speed of trial, the trial prep, etc, not so much. And there are a couple glaring plot holes. How and when Maria Tomei called the judge in NYC to cover for Vinny and the fact that no judge ever is going to lie to another judge about who this guy is like that. More likely he’d tell the truth about it and go to bat for him.

[@libertyresearch-iu4fy]

The director, Jonathan Lynn who happens to be British, has an MA in Law from Cambridge University. The 'two yoots' scene is based on a similar conversation Lynn had with Joe Pesci off-camera.

[@kareningram6093]

Dude, I was already laughing just from the sight of the thumbnail. One of the funniest movies ever made. I envy you for having the privilege of seeing it for the first time.

[@robertdanyus6836]

The judge was Fred Gwen who played Herman munster in the series the Munsters

[@Crl2p3]

"How do you even type that?!" in response to the other defense attorney's stutter has me ROLLING

[@sydandtaytum]

marisa tomei's deer speech is absolutely brilliant

[@jamesfrego8754]

Love the it’s always sunny reactions can’t wait to see more

[@user-tb2jy9lu3d]

My favorite part has always been the line, "I could use a good azz kicking, I'll be very honest with you!" Can't forget the Two Yutes, either.

[@personalsigh]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS THERE'S two types of people in the world, those who've seen My cousin Vinny and sad people.

[@Vlad.Larionov]

It is very interesting to see your reaction to the films Robocop and Robocop 3. This is a cool immortal classic 👍

[@ShayTheValiant]

If you're interested in watching other lawyer movies, I would recommend: Erin Brockovich Marshall Dark Waters Richard Jewell A Time to Kill

[@timopraxis]

My dad is an attorney and he told me that at more than one attorney function they would show clips from this film on account of how awesome some of the courtroom scenes are.

[@stormywaters1565]

This film is actually shown in some law schools because of the accurate portrayal of courtroom proceedings.

[@1Cheytown]

For the record...the movie was a filmed in Georgia (I believe a town called Monticeto)

[@dianedarby442]

One of my all-time favorites - I could literally mouth the words along with the movie! lol Really enjoyed the reaction!

[@ShelbyBaby27]

I kept waiting for the moment for James to realize she's Aunt Mae!

[@robertrouse4503]

One thing all trial films and TV shows get wrong, is no one ever asks the judge's permission to approach the bench or the jury.

[@darkzer0670]

The camera angle you're trying to think of is the Dutch Angle made famous by the greatest movie ever, Battlefield Earth 😁

[@AndreaBlythe]

A fantastic movie with Ralph Macchio is Crossroads (1986). It delves into Blues music folklore and it’s soooo good.

[@jimtatro6550]

The entire cast is great in this movie and Marissa Tomei deserved her Oscar but the MVP to me is Fred Gwynne as the judge. He was famous as Herman Munster

[@jamesbarels469]

A long career for an actor. Had some great roles.

[@jimtatro6550]

@@jamesbarels469 Pet Semetary for sure. “Sometimes….dead is better.” R.I.P. 👍

[@shallendor]

Joe is talented, you should hear him sing "Got to Get You Into My Life"! How can people NOT have a great time with this great film!

[@tremorsfan]

For a long time there was a rumor that presenter Jack Palance simply said the wrong name and everybody was too polite to correct him. I think Moonlight officially put that idea to bed.

[@Petestanton]

Maris Tomei is the bomb, fantastic actress