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Sandler plays a jeweler who's constantly in hot water, mainly because he's a degenerate gambler (to use a common phrase), and he lies constantly. It's fascinating, but frustrating, to see him trying to get out of his many jams. I kept rooting for him, "Don't give that creep a valuable opal with no security," etc. (Side issue: is that what opals look like direct from the ground?)

So it's exhausting to follow all the twists and turns of Sandler's evasive maneuvers. He plays the part totally straight (not for humor), and he's 100% professional and acceptable in the part. Likewise all the other actors. I enjoyed the movie, but I would never watch it again -- too hard on the nerves.

Also, the most annoying musical score I've heard in a very long time.

This is beyond a feel-good movie, this is a "stand up and cheer" movie. But of all the many good things about this movie, I want to concentrate on one.

I saw the movie years ago when it was new, and I didn't particularly pay attention to Ralph Macchio's performance. But re-watching it, I am struck by what a nuanced, subtle performance he gives. He doesn't overact, he never goes over the top. He's always perfectly modulated, natural and honest.

For instance, I liked the scene where he and his pal first go into their prison cell. I was expecting some big statement, maybe ironic, philosophical, or in despair. But Macchio sighs. And not a heavy sigh, just a plain sigh. Understated and subtle. That just rang true to me.

Another scene that impressed me was when the two guys have been exonerated, and Macchio is hugging Vinny. He is definitely about to cry -- just on the verge of bursting into tears. But no tears appear. How does an actor play "just on the verge of bursting into tears, but no tears"? I don't know, but Macchio does it, and it's very clear.

I would put Macchio's work in this movie in the category of "understated, honest brilliance."

P. S. A quibble: how come nobody in this movie can pronounce "accessory"? They all say "assessory." That bugs me.

I enjoyed this movie and have watched it several times. It has an interesting story line and holds the interest. I would call it a fairly mild family drama and crime drama, rather than a comedy, though it does have comic elements -- for instance: Ted: How'd you get so smart? Macauley: I don't know. It sure doesn't run in the family.

I like the way Glenne Headley, a rookie in the detective department, talks in that meek, mousey voice, and yet she's always right and she cracks the whole crime. And her partner demeans and disparages everything she says -- that seems true to life.

Hector Elizondo has a nice turn as the detectives' boss; he's not a martinet; he's a reasonable man and gives them leeway to explore their theories.

Somehow I couldn't quite believe Ted Danson as a career criminal. He doesn't seem mean and immoral enough. But he did a good job nevertheless. (Hated his pony tail!)

Great ending -- Macaulay, who has outsmarted the adults all the way along, does it one more time. I like the way he brings a moral element into the matter, refusing to condone theft.

I would call this a feel-good movie, with less over-the-top slapstick than the Home Alone series.