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Reviews
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
Classic example of a movie that does not age well.
Watched this movie for the first time in 2021. I have heard the title a few times since the 90's but never got to see it before. I give it 4 points as it gives you an eye into what was considered funny in the late 80's (early 90's). I'm pretty sure 1992 me would had enjoyed the movie a lot and this is like a museum piece of something that today is outdated. It has a lot of the structure and gags of that era. And I don't hate everything from the 90's movies, I still enjoy some comedies and for court dramas John Grisham movies are still very watchable, these rely on clever underdogs and this ages better.
But in 2021 the movie looks like a sort of train wreck. It is hard to watch as most of the fun is connected to having a stereotypical view of the south that looks kind of bigoted in 2021 (even in 2010 maybe). The characters are too exaggerated and you have to have the mind of a teenager to think they represent real people in a real situation. The problem is that even taken as a cartoonish tale it does not make sense as you know how you were supposed to think about the characters being around in 1992. I was supposed to find Pesci charming and funny because he does not have those rigid values of those Alabama folks, but he looks like a total idiot and if he wins at the end is because of the miracle of 80's scriptwriting.
The movie tries to play as a hopeful, goofy movie where the main character is able to overcome big obstacles and impossible odds. But you kind of know as an adult that the man was probably a loser all the time. It also has the drama of a conspiracy in a corrupt south that is kind of out of place for a humor movie, it may had made some sense if the corruption could not be taken seriously. But even though it is obvious there is some conspiracy going on, after like 30 min anyway - in the beginning it is not clear if this is a comedy of errors, it is hard to side with Cousin Vinny. You know in real life if this was a real thing, it would be a tragedy. In 1992 maybe I would fall for street smart Italian-American, full of confidence under achiever. So I would definitely recommend this movie to 1992 me, he would had enjoyed the heck out of it!
Part of the comedy relies on Pesci being totally unaware of how out of place he is, but with 2021 glasses only a mentally handicapped character would not be aware of how he was out of place and how bad was his appearance and demeanor in the court. And the seriousness of the case does not match. The script is kind of a train wreck in what genre this is supposed to fall.
As other people has commented is not even clear why Marisa Tomei was able to get an Oscar for this performance. 1992 me would have enjoyed it as Tomei was eye candy by 90's standards (I wanted to marry her in Anger Management), but the character is just too simple by today's standards.
Adding this so anyone that finds the movie similarly dissapointing by 2021 does not think he watched a different movie that the ones that give it 10 and pretend this is a comedy that makes you laugh from beginning to end and leaves you uplifted.
Emily in Paris (2020)
Hoped for a fun series, got a poorly written mess
The premise of the series sounded a little cliche, but could have been done in a fun way. But the attitude of the main character is just too flat. Instead of being a smart fish outside the pond it plays like the dream of a narcissist that gets the prizes and humiliates the cartoon mean characters.
If you enjoy narcissistic daydreaming this series is for you.
Ready Player One (2018)
The story could have been better. It feels like an ok 80's movie.
This is a pretty good movie visually, especially the first hour, but the story lacks in depth and panders to a very young audience. Probably a kid would consider it a great movie as it keeps the tension all the time, but from an adult who grew up in the 80's perspective some scenes are ridiculous and things that are supposed to be jokes do not land well. And this movie relies a lot on nostalgia so it should had been targeted for adults plotwise. I saw it in a theater full of adults.
The movie is better in the first hour, but the plot gets less interesting after it and it is not clear why they are doing what they end up doing. In general you get a sense of risk and adventure, but the characters do not convince you of their badassery too much, you sort of have to assume they are talented. But then some of the decisions made by the protagonists may leave you disappointed and the end does not leave you too convinced that a great thing was achieved.
It does not help that the main enemy is stereotypically uncool and bland, it is hard to feel that the main good characters are in great danger when their nemesis is sort of a dork. I don't know if this was put there as a homage to the 80's as then it was common to have jerky guys as the bad guys, but it's 2018 and today it is clear that enemies also can have valid motives and attractive qualities. This makes the heroes shine more at the end.
The movie is still watchable if you have no expectations (or low if you are a Spielberg cult member) and focus on the fantasy side. It has some maze qualities that are also enjoyable. But be prepared to see very silly plot twists, jokes, and attitudes in every character.
I know some enjoy seeing Spielberg failing at delighting with his wizardry, but honestly is a good movie and making a movie that is less delightful only proves his greatness by missing one shoot after many on target. In its attention to visual detail is it very attractive and you only wish the movie had a more deep story. But pulling off a story for all ages is a very difficult thing and I am not surprised that some people find it brilliant if it speaks to them (this is a feel good story at heart). But I am always ready to suspend my disbelief and plugin into any adventure and I found it difficult to be awed by this movie.