 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
My Cousin Vinny
- Review Date: August 6, 2009
- R
- Genre: Comedy
- 1992
Common Sense Media says
Courtroom comedy will appeal to teens. Some strong language.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the language is crude throughout. Because the film's humor and story are appealing to older tweens and teens, it's regrettable that the filmmakers illustrate the "fish out of water" nature of the leading characters with so much swearing and rough language.
What's the story?
When two college-bound New York boys are mistakenly arrested for murder in a small Alabama town, Vinny (Joe Pesci), who is a cousin of one of the boys and who has recently passed the bar after six tries, is called to the rescue. Vinny and his fiancee, Mona Lisa (Marisa Tomei), street-savvy "declasse" Italians from the big city, arrive to take on the town's earnest legal establishment and the serious circumstantial evidence against the young men. It's a ferocious battle between Eastern street smarts and Southern propriety. The two cultures meet head on with both boys' freedom at stake.
Is it any good?
Vinny is a role tailor-made for Joe Pesci. He relishes the part, and makes a meal of every courtroom speech and every close encounter with the soul of Alabama. Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for her portrayal of Mona Lisa Vito, and she lights up the screen with her warm, overtly sensuous, yet wise performance. In what must be a first for a legal courtroom farce set in The South, the judge and the law enforcement officers are not played as buffoons or bigots, but honorable and out to administer justice.
There are some very funny moments, indelible characterizations, and memorable lines (no one will forget Vinny's description of America's "yoots."). The plot turns, however, are purposefully silly and far-fetched. Still, it's a delight to watch the two leads see beyond the circumstantial and use their well-hidden mental acuity to win over the hearts and minds of their opponents and the audience.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about snap judgments. What are the filmmakers trying to say about first impressions and stereotyping? How did both Vinny and Mona Lisa belie their appearances?
How was the Southern sheriff unlike other typical movie depictions of small-town Southern sheriffs?
Do you think you were supposed to believe that this story could really happen? What are some of the clues that the filmmakers used to show that it was a fairy tale or farce and not to be taken seriously?
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AGE
Smart, comedic court film
"My Cousin Vinny" doesn't look like a very good movie at the start of it, but once you are well into it, it turns very humorous and somewhat thrilling. One of my favorite comedies.
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AGE
Lol Funny!!!!!!!!!
This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. The only thing I don't like about it is the fact that they say so many curse words (f**k, s**t, g*ddammit, d*ckhead, a*s, etc.) But the characters are from Jersey, what do you expect? (i dont want to start anything or steriotype)
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AGE
This is one of our families favorite comedies! Marissa Tomei is perfect in this role. So much fun to watch her on the stand in court. My daughter is only 11 and has watched this with us. If it weren't for all the cursing, I would say it's appropriate for 11+. We had to have a discussion RE: not repeating these words etc... The message of honesty is good.
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AGE
HILARIOUS
This is one of the funniest movies I've seen in awile, yes it uses the f-bomb a lot but too bad!
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AGE
good but inappropriate
i personally love this movie, its hilarious there is a lot of cussing but thats what makes the movie funny, the rest of the movie is fine the sexual part is not bad at all, and the violence is like watching elmo! so it would be okay for 12 and up if they know not to use the bad words.
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AGE
fun fun fun :)
great move, one of my favorites for sure :)
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AGE
i love it its very funny and enjoyable but i just really like courtroom movies. some language but that's about it .
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AGE
Hilarious, foul-mouthed courtroom comedy
This is one funny movie! I love this movie. The only reason I can think of to why I won't give this movie five out of five stars is because of the far-fetched evidence. But, I suppose that just makes it more fun. This is a great movie for anyone to see! Parents: There is non-stop foul language, some violent images and content, and sexuality, but no nudity. Bottom Line: Must-see comedy classic for everyone (of age) to enjoy! Thanks for reading! - Movie Man
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AGE
OK for tweens, if they can handle the language
Although the language is crude, it's nothing my daughter hasn't heard elsewhere and she's old enough to know it's not acceptable to use even if she hears it. It's a very funny movie, one of my favorite comedies!
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AGE
Funny movie ruined by language
This movie is so good. Too bad the language ruins it. Otherwise it would be one of those family movies
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| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | Jonathan Lynn |
| Cast: | Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, Ralph Macchio |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 120 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 13, 1992 |
| DVD release date: | July 25, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language |
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