The Poster Memorabilia blog

The Big Stars of an Underrated Classic

Three signatures, three surprised faces, and a 1992 comedy that deserves a bigger table.

By an anonymous Hollywood insider

I feel like My Cousin Vinny is an underrated classic. It was a hit when it came out and is still fondly remembered, but I don't think it's given the recognition it deserves, especially since it gave us stellar performances from some of the biggest movie stars ever.

You'd think a movie starring the likes of Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, and Ralph Macchio would be a blockbuster, but I think My Cousin Vinny was just a modest success. It's most famous for helping Tomei rise to movie stardom since it earned her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, but for the most part, it's largely underdiscussed.

When people talk about the best 1990s comedies, Groundhog Day, Dumb and Dumber, and Home Alone tend to dominate the conversation. But My Cousin Vinny is right up there, and I think it's even funnier than some of those other movies that have stood the test of time.

“But My Cousin Vinny is right up there.”

At least I do my part in spreading awareness of it. I always bring it up when others ask me about my favorite movies or for film recommendations. I frequently mention it when people talk about the three big stars in the film, which is more often than you'd think. And of course, I had my poster signed by that awesome cast themselves.

I'm especially proud that I met the icons in the movie and got their autographs. It wasn't easy to see Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, and Ralph Macchio in person, but I did, and I made awesome memories. I also got autographs from other cast members, but these three will always stand out to me.

You will never forget meeting Marisa Tomei if you ever get lucky. The woman is gorgeous, truly one of the most beautiful movie stars I've ever seen in person. And what's funny is that I saw her at the Spider-Man: Homecoming LA premiere in 2017, where she was playing Aunt May, of all things. Movie stars really are a different breed.

She was very nice when I asked for her autograph, and she signed my poster without batting an eye. The same goes for Ralph Macchio, whom I saw a year later at a Cobra Kai event in New York City. I had just moved to the Big Apple, and it was one of the first things I did as a New Yorker.

✦ ✦ ✦

I'll never forget Macchio's face when he saw my My Cousin Vinny poster. His expression told me that the movie is underrated even for its lead stars. It seemed as if he was surprised that the movie still has fans, which I understand, but it nevertheless bummed me out.

The legendary Joe Pesci was equally surprised, but I think it's more that someone asked for his autograph than that it was because of my movie poster. I met him at the New York Film Festival in 2019, when his latest movie, The Irishman, premiered. He starred alongside fellow icons Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, but he was the only one I was excited to see.

The actor had stepped back from the spotlight since the 90s, so starring in a brand-new movie in 2019 was huge. I didn't dare miss the chance to see him in person at the movie premiere, and fortunately, it happened in New York City.

I worked hard for those three signatures, and that poster isn't going anywhere. But the awareness part I'll happily share around: if this story does nothing else, I hope it gets a few more people to finally watch the movie.

Some things you watch. This one you keep.

Guaranteed authentic for life • 90-day returns, any reason