Joe Pesci’s standout turn in My Cousin Vinny is finding a lot of love on Tubi this week. The 1992 legal comedy taps into comedic roles Pesci took on in the early 1990s, showcasing a very different side of him compared to the serious characters he portrayed in other films. As one of his best movies, it is perhaps not surprising that fans are rediscovering it now that it is available to stream for free.
The film follows Vinny Gambini, an unconventional lawyer from New York who is unexpectedly thrust into a murder case involving his cousin in rural Alabama. Vinny’s unpolished yet endearing approach to the law delivers plenty of comedic moments as he unravels a case full of misunderstandings and confrontations. Pesci’s depiction of the brash lawyer, which followed his brilliant comedic performance as burglar Harry in the Home Alone movies, was instrumental in the film receiving strong reviews and achieving box office success.
Directed by Jonathan Lynn and written by Dale Launer, My Cousin Vinny raked in over $64 million at the box office, which was incredibly profitable given the film’s modest $11 million budget. Its popularity also translated into critical acclaim, with the Rotten Tomatoes consensus stating, “The deft comic interplay between Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei helps to elevate My Cousin Vinny‘s predictable script, and the result is a sharp, hilarious courtroom comedy.” The film holds an impressive 85% Tomatometer score and an even higher 87% on the audience Popcornmeter.
Another highlight of My Cousin Vinny is the timeless Marisa Tomei in her breakout role as Mona Lisa Vito. Her character not only provided a perfect Ying to Vinny’s Yang, but also showcased Tomei’s talents as an actress. This was evident when her performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The on-screen chemistry between Pesci and Tomei, along with a strong script and talented support from Fred Gwynne and Karate Kid star Ralph Macchio, make My Cousin Vinny one of the best legal comedies of all time.
As new audiences discover what Marisa Tomei did before becoming Aunt May to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in the MCU, along with the various roles Joe Pesci has taken on beyond gangster portrayals, it is clear that Tubi’s charm lies in bringing back nostalgic memories for viewers wanting to be transported to a simpler time. Joe Pesci has starred in a variety of roles throughout his career, from Goodfellas to Home Alone, demonstrating his range as an actor.
For those looking to reacquaint themselves with the unconventional style of Pesci’s Vinny, the film will be streaming for a limited time on Tubi. Be sure to catch it while you can before it potentially moves to a paid platform in the future. Meanwhile, viewers seeking something more serious can check out Pesci’s remarkable performance in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, featuring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Additionally, Marisa Tomei’s appearances in the MCU can be found on platforms like Disney+, Netflix, or Prime Video, depending on the availability in your area.
