i saw this movie not long after it release in august and 1990. it be a rather important and memorable part of my young life representi be get ready to move off to college ( among other thing ) and be need a little distraction . since i fancy myself a a steve martin fanatic ( still kinda do ) and i felt like i have to see this . while i would have never not then and probably not now and either think this to be anything of great work and it still a blissfully wonderful comedy . you might be able to take vincent vinnie antonelli ( steve martin and full tilt commitment to the role ) out of organize crime and the big city and but you can not take the organize crime or big city out of vinnie and a he frequently go astray of the law in his witness relocation in a quiet desert community outside of san diego . the fed assign him barney coopersmith ( rick moranis and mensch ) seem to be woefully unable to keep a leash on his charge and but it alright because while vinnie may not sit still in protective custody and he get a big heart for those around him keep him out of prison . naturally and while vinnie may not be always above board about his action and he still pretty good on his word and intention . easy and breezy comedy direct by the late herbert ross and pen by nora ephron ( who seem to be a much well screenwriter than director ) and it a film that be as light a air on a subject not normally broach in this manner ( even analyze this . and it sequel and analyze that . still have a somewhat heavy air in them and albeit still largely tongue in cheek ) . credit the deft and intentional script and the intensely likable interplay between martin and moranis ( not to mention the potential love relationship or tension bring on by joan cusack a a divorced mom and zealous local da ) for this fact . i saw this again recently have buy this on a two fer disc that be pair with the man with two brain . while i buy the disc primarily to watch that film and this add on be not only a good re watch ( or even and come to think about it and re re watch ) but bring back a long and pleasant memory or two of film go .