OVERLAY REPORT

Here are **Marisa Tomei’s most famous quotes from *My Cousin Vinny***, along with **what’s happening in the story when she says them**. Tomei plays **Marisa Tomei**’s iconic character **Mona Lisa Vito**, whose sharp intelligence and explosive delivery drive many of the film’s most memorable moments. --- ## 1. “The defense is wrong!” **Context:** During the climactic trial, Mona Lisa is finally allowed to testify as an **expert witness**. After being underestimated and mocked for her appearance and attitude, she confidently interrupts the courtroom to dismantle the prosecution’s theory about the crime. **Why it’s famous:** This line marks the turning point of the case—and the moment when everyone realizes she’s the smartest person in the room. --- ## 2. “It’s a *trick question!*” **Context:** The prosecutor tries to trap Mona Lisa with a misleading technical question about car mechanics. She instantly calls it out before answering, refusing to be boxed into a false premise. **Why it’s famous:** It perfectly captures her no-nonsense personality and mechanical expertise, and it lands as both comedy and courtroom triumph. --- ## 3. “I’m an expert on automobiles.” **Context:** When asked to justify her qualifications, Mona Lisa matter-of-factly explains her lifelong immersion in cars—thanks to her family’s garage business. **Why it’s famous:** The understated delivery contrasts hilariously with how dismissive the court initially is, setting up her later mic-drop moments. --- ## 4. “Does that include *positraction*?” **Context:** This is the setup to the film’s most iconic exchange. Mona Lisa challenges the prosecutor’s assumptions about the getaway car by zeroing in on a crucial mechanical detail. **Why it’s famous:** The word “positraction” became inseparable from the film—and from Tomei’s performance—thanks to the line’s rhythm and escalating intensity. --- ## 5. “Are you *sure*?” **Context:** She repeatedly presses a witness on their certainty about what they saw, using calm persistence rather than aggression. **Why it’s famous:** It shows how she dismantles testimony not with theatrics, but with precision and confidence. --- ### Why these lines endure * They flip stereotypes about intelligence and expertise * They combine technical accuracy with comedic timing * They culminate in one of the most satisfying courtroom victories in film history Marisa Tomei’s performance won the **Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress**, and these quotes are a big reason why the character remains unforgettable. If you want, I can also: * Rank the quotes by **fan popularity** * Break down **why the courtroom scene works so well structurally** * Compare Mona Lisa Vito to other iconic courtroom characters