10 Most Underrated Marisa Tomei Movies

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I have always been a fan of Marisa Tomei‘s versatile acting skills, and after diving deep into her filmography, I must say she truly is an underrated gem! From the comedic brilliance she displayed in My Cousin Vinny to the gripping drama in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, her performances never fail to captivate.

Born in the 80s, actress Marisa Tomei initially made her mark in the entertainment industry through minor film, TV roles, and off-Broadway plays. However, it was her role as the fiancée of the main character in “My Cousin Vinny” (1992) that truly catapulted her to fame. This comedy not only surpassed box office predictions but also brought Tomei an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, adding prestige to her acting career.

Ever since then, I’ve seen Tomei shine in a variety of widely successful ventures, such as some Marvel movies, “In the Bedroom,” and “The Big Short.” Yet, it’s her lesser-known works that truly showcase her talent. Reflecting on her career from its beginnings to the present, I believe several of Tomei’s films have been underappreciated and deserve more recognition.

I’ve been utterly captivated once more by Tomei’s timeless beauty, which has been taking the internet by storm as she gracefully embraces her astonishingly youthful 60th year on social media. To join in the festivities and pay tribute to this versatile actress, I would like to share some of her lesser-known films that are absolutely worth revisiting. Enjoy!

10 ‘The Paper’ (1994)

The Movie, set in the 90s, features Tomei sharing screen time with Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Randy Quaid, and others. The plot unfolds over a single day, focusing on Henry, portrayed by Keaton, a tabloid news editor. Tomei plays Martha, Henry’s expectant wife, who is concerned about how Henry will adapt to his new role as a father.

Why It’s Great

As a passionate cinephile, I must share that while the film didn’t exactly sweep the awards, it did garner an Oscar nod for Best Original Song. However, the acting performances, particularly those of Tomei and Keaton, seemed to have gone somewhat unnoticed. Yet, Tomei’s character, in this dramedy, sparked an incredible chemistry with Keaton’s. Her performance was a delicate dance between comedy and drama, leaving viewers teetering on the edge of laughter and tears (often within the same scene).

Stream on AppleTV+

9 ‘Cyrus’ (2010)

As a die-hard fan here, I just wanted to clarify that “Cyrus” isn’t a movie about Miley Cyrus or her family. It’s actually a heartwarming romantic comedy! The story revolves around a man named John who’s devastated when he finds out his ex-wife is remarrying. To escape his feelings, he ends up in a bar where he crosses paths with a woman named Molly (played by Tomei). Their relationship seems like it’s going great, but there’s a twist: Molly’s son, Cyrus, is quite protective and causes some complications.

The Perfect Comfort Watch

In this movie, Tomei shares the screen with actors John C. Reilly and Jonah Hill, who portray her romantic interest and son. Despite being released quietly, earning only slightly over its modest $7 million production cost, it’s a charmingly corny film that rom-com enthusiasts might find enjoyable due to its endearing quality.

Stream on Max

8 ‘High Tide’ (2024)

In late 2024, Tomei will debut one of her latest productions titled “High Tide.” This independent film is a poignant romantic drama that follows Lourenço, a Brazilian immigrant without documents, who’s struggling with his uncertain visa status and awaiting the return of his lover. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Maurice, a striking newcomer, who could potentially offer him guidance in navigating through his challenges.

Solid All-Around

In this production titled “High Tomei“, Tomei embodies Miriam, yet her involvement extends beyond just acting. She’s credited as an executive producer as well. This understated film isn’t about global catastrophes, but the high-stakes situations it portrays resonate deeply with its characters, who you’ll find yourself growing fond of.

7 ‘The Rewrite’ (2014)

Romantic comedies are Tomei’s specialty, and in “The Rewrite,” she portrays half of a seemingly doomed couple named Holly Carpenter. Holly is a single mother whose romantic prospects appear to be headed for disaster. She crosses paths with her teacher, who happens to be her polar opposite, yet their attraction is palpable.

Saved by Great Actors

In “The Rewrite,” there’s plenty that might make you squirm. The character Keith, who is the love interest, isn’t exactly admirable due to some morally dubious actions he takes. However, Hugh Grant manages to distract viewers from these flaws. As for Tomei, she brings her usual charm and depth to a part that could have easily been played superficially.

Stream on Hoopla

6 ‘Happy Accidents’ (2000)

The movie titled “Happy Accidents” offers a unique blend of romance and science fiction, and it unfolds in the bustling cityscape of New York. Our protagonist, Ruby (played by Tomei), is a woman who’s growing increasingly doubtful about finding love. But everything changes when she encounters Sam in the park, igniting a spark of hope within her. However, there’s an unexpected twist: Sam reveals he hails from the year 2470.

Only Tomei

In simpler terms, the storyline of Happy Accidents isn’t entirely original, as it revolves around a character claiming to be from another time, which is a theme seen in many films. However, what sets this movie apart is its star, Marisa Tomei. She has an exceptional ability to interact with her co-star and brings a unique charm to the somewhat predictable narrative, making it incredibly enjoyable.

Stream on AppleTV+

5 ‘Love Is Strange’ (2014)

The film titled “Love Is Strange” revolves around Ben and George, a couple who’ve been together for almost four decades. They finally decide to get married, but their newlywed life isn’t all smooth sailing. George gets fired from his job, forcing them to live apart while they work out their financial situation.

A Wholesome Love Story

In this rendition, Tomei plays Kate – wife to Ben’s nephew. Though widely recognized for her roles, Tomei flawlessly embodies her character as a novelist in the movie “Love Is Strange“. This film showcases an abundance of well-crafted characters, including the two leads and every side character. Regrettably overlooked due to its limited release, it’s highly recommended for another watch.

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4 ‘Unhook the Stars’ (1996)

Titled “Unhook the Stars“, this heartwarming drama revolves around Mildred, a widowed empty nester portrayed by Gena Rowlands. One day, Mildred is visited by her unruly neighbor Monica (Tomei), who needs help babysitting her child. Monica is struggling with an abusive relationship and trying to regain stability in her life.

An Unlikely Friendship

As a film enthusiast, I’m captivated by Tomei’s remarkable talent to establish profound connections with her on-screen partners that transcend romantic interests. The heartwarming mother-daughter bond and friendship between her character and Mildred are the soul of “Unhook the Stars.” Their exceptional performances in this film even earned them SAG Award nominations, making every second of this movie a must-watch for those who appreciate the ‘found family’ trope.

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3 ‘She Came to Me’ (2023)

2023’s romantic comedy titled “She Came to Me” showcases talented actors like Anne Hathaway and Peter Dinklage in its cast. In this film, Peter portrays Steven, a composer wrestling with writer’s block. His marriage to psychiatrist wife Patricia, played by Hathaway, is filled with affection but also tension. This tension intensifies following an emotionally charged encounter with a woman named Katrina (Tomei).

A Unique Romantic Comedy

You can feel confident that “She Came to Me” deviates from typical romantic comedies on this list. Instead of being light-hearted with plenty of slapstick humor, it adopts a more serious tone. The acting prowess of its three distinguished leads is not something to worry about. Beyond the intriguing relationship dynamics among Steven, Patricia, and Katrina, the film also provides an opportunity to explore the world of opera.

Stream on Hulu

2 ‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead’ (2007)

The film titled “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” revolves around a crime thriller where two siblings conspire to burglarize their parents’ jewelry store, intending it to be a crime without victims. Regrettably, things spiral out of control and lead to the deaths of not one but two individuals, including their mother. Tomei plays the role of Gina, who is secretly involved in an affair with one of the brothers.

Why It Works

This film, structured unconventionally, offers an engaging viewing experience. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke portray the two brothers who are surrounded by Gina. Despite having a supporting role, Tomei steals the spotlight in every scene she appears. The movie manages to maintain its pace effectively, even with its intricate structure, keeping viewers enthralled throughout.

Stream on Prime Video

1 ‘Slums of Beverly Hills’ (1998)

The movie titled “Slums of Beverly Hills” revolves around Vivian, a teenage girl struggling financially as she moves from one location to another with her family. Their current destination is the outskirts of glamorous Beverly Hills. The film delves into Vivian’s relationships with her family members, a new neighbor, and her cousin Rita (portrayed by Tomei).

A Family Story

In the show, Natasha Lyonne shines as Vivian, yet the significance of the supporting cast, including Tomei and others, should not be underestimated. On the contrary, their performances underscore the importance of a balanced ensemble cast. Rita, despite her quirks and instability, helps us grasp why Vivian develops such a powerful connection with her. Regarding coming-of-age stories, Slums of Beverly Hills is often overlooked but deserves more recognition for its quality.

Stream on AppleTV+

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2024-12-10 04:02