My Favorite Movies: Number 53

53. My Cousin Vinny (1992)

This movie was made for Joe Pesci, he plays the role of Vinni Gambini perfectly. And, besides a few minor roles, this film really introduced america to Marisa Tomei via an Oscar winning performance.

I’m not going to dig too much into the merits of this movie, but I think it's a classic and a perfect snapshot of early 90s movies.

The courtroom scenes are awesome, and the banter between Pesci and the judge are classic (Two Youts? Whats a Yout?). Joe Pesci is on point as the out of place out of towner in a small southern town, and full of humorous one liners.

But the scene that makes and steals this movie is when Tomei takes the witness stand. Her explanation of why the prosecution is asking a trick question is priceless. And because of this movie, and that scene, we all know what a positraction rear end is.

This is probably more of a childhood favorite and guilty pleasure than a film that belongs on a top movie list, but this is my list so I can do with it what I want.

My Favorite Movies: Number 54

54. Mallrats (1995)

Mallrats is Kevin Smith’s follow up to the cult classic Clerks, and became a classic in its own right as well.

This film introduced us to Jason Lee, who would become a staple in future Kevin Smith films. For me, it was the first time I fell in love with Claire Forlani, and the 2nd time I love with Joey Lauren Adams (Dazed & Confused). It also featured the 2nd major role for Ben Affleck following Dazed and Confused, and Shannen Doherty’s first major film role following the end of 90210.

This is my favorite and most quotable Kevin Smith Movie (much to the dismay of many Chasing Amy supporters). Which may be because this is the only film Kevin Smith did not edit himself.

Mallrats is all about quotable one-liners, and ridiculous hijinks as two loser “mallrats” try to win back their girlfriends.

The collection of characters in this film is impressive. The 15-year-old writing a book about sex, the guy that can’t see the sailboat (a schooner is a sailboat!!), Secuirty guard Le fours, the tri-nipple psychic, Ben Affleck playing a manager of Casual Male who likes to fuck girls in uncomfortable places (like the back of a volkswagen), Suiter #3 in the game show, and the gameshow producer/overbearing father to name a few.  

Though Jason Lee’s character steals the show with uncanny humor and delivery of what may otherwise be very elementary lines.

I love this movie, and might have watched it 20 times during my junior high years, and several times since. It’s a very worthy B-level movie that I can’t get enough of.

And That kid is BACK on the escalator!