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!
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. 😂
@@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 😀
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
@@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.
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. 😂
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 😊
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Bruh! Recently subscribed, getting caught up on you content. Love your perspective, instinct and your eye. Super thoughtful and intelligent, and it’s making me fall in love with some of my favorite movies all over again. In fact, I’m watching movies I’ve never seen so I can watch more reactions. All that being said…sugar on your grits, homie?!! 😮😂
I was waiting for this one ! Absolutely hilarious . Another banger James keep up the good work . Your bringing us all sorts of joy . Super fun to watch !
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.
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.
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.
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
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."
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Great reaction, great editing, dope hoody you're wearing. Not the first time I've complemented on your gear. It's been awhile since I had the time to watch your channel. Long time watcher, I gotta go back on what I missed.✌️
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.
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😂
Like most movies, there are quite a few liberties taken with the court room proceedings to make it more interesting. The one thing I will highlight though is the realistic spirit of the cross-examinations. Joe Pesci's character does a good job of asking questions that basically trap the witnesses into positions where they must give answers that hurt the prosecution's case. The bit about the windows was a perfect example of that. He slowly establishes the witness agreeing piece by piece, all the things about his view that are incontrovertible facts, like about how far away it is, how blocked the windows are with the screen, dirt, bushes, and trees, all leading to a conclusion that actually doesn't depend on the witness's final answer on whether he thinks he could see what happened clearly. In fact, if even after all of that, he did say Yes I did see clearly, then he actually would have blown his credibility to the jury. So either way, that cross-examination hurts the prosecution, no matter what the witness says. It's beautiful litigation.
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.
James 4:36 What is a tilted camera angle called? The Dutch Angle Shot, also known as the Dutch Tilt, German Angle, canted angle, canted camera, or oblique angle, is a technique that consists of an angled camera shot where the horizon line isn't parallel with the bottom of the frame, and vertical lines are at an angle to the side of the frame.
Thanks for this reaction. I have always loved this film, and think it's hilarious that they actually teach it in law schools, especially since my dad's a lawyer.
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.
Joe Pesci, Marissa Tomei and Fred Gwynne (Herman Munster) all gave Great Performances in this film. it's one of my favorite Film. only a few Lawyer Movies I know of and Liar Liar is Good too.
