Directed by Jonathan Lynn • 1992 • United States
Starring Marisa Tomei, Joe Pesci, Ralph Macchio

The spitfire chemistry between Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei propels this ultraquotable courtroom comedy, a surprise hit that earned the latter a rare Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress) for a comic performance. When New York City college student Bill Gambini (Ralph Macchio) and his friend are mistakenly charged with murder while traveling through Alabama, it’s up to his lawyer cousin Vinny (Pesci) to help overturn the conviction. But when the streetwise Vinny arrives with his leather-clad, gum-chewing girlfriend (a scene-stealing Tomei), it becomes clear that this is his first case—and that the fish-out-of-water Brooklynites are in for a serious case of culture clash.