My 5 Wives

My 5 Wives is a comedy film released in 2000 and directed by Sidney J. Furie. The movie acts as a cultural artifact from peak Rodney Dangerfield-era, featuring his signature one-liners and slapstick humor. In contrast to his previous roles as society’s underdog, Dangerfield portrays, Monte Peterson, a real-estate tycoon, and wannabe gambler, who buys a large plot of land out West. Unbeknownst to him, he's not only purchased valuable land but also entered into a polygamous marriage with 5 wives. The story takes an uproarious turn as Monte’s outrageous life in Utah begins to unfold. Co-stars Andrew Dice Clay and John Byner also bring their comedic prowess to the roles of Monte’s business partners.

In typical Dangerfield fashion, Monte kicks off the movie with a bold, hare-brained scheme. As a businessman who shifts from the bustle of New York City to the quiet fields of Utah, he purchases a sizable piece of land in what turns out to be a polygamous community. From the moment he strikes the deal, he realises his life is about to get a whole lot crazier.

The plot unfolds with Monte inadvertently acquiring five wives through the real estate deal; Blanche (Kate Luyben), Barbara (Robyn Kelly), Bonnie (Angelika Baran), Bambi (Judith Scarpone), and Betty (Jennifer Barker). As we follow Monte navigating this unexpected twist, the laughs keep coming. He must grapple with not only managing a multimillion-dollar land but also juggling the attention, needs, and rivalries of his new, diverse family.

The humor is interspersed with scenes that gently poke fun at the polygamous, patriarchal society at play in the region. Dangerfield delivers his iconic off-the-cuff jokes and physical comedy throughout, while also portraying a kind-hearted man who cares for his unconventional family. Andrew Dice Clay and John Byner enhance the comedy, bringing their unique brands of humor to the screen as they portray business developers willing to resort to devious means to get their hands on Monte's valuable land.

Throughout My 5 Wives, the underlining plot takes a twist and turn around Monte’s journey to find his true happiness. As he settles into his new life, he stumbles into run-ins with his wives' jealous ex-husbands, zealous loan sharks, and ruthless business rivals. Adding to the comedic chaos is Monte’s lawyer, played by Molly Shannon, who constantly is swept up in the pandemonium of her client’s peculiar circumstances.

Meanwhile, the narrative throws light on the social issues surrounding polygamy, albeit in a comical manner. The storyline delves into the lives of the wives, each showcasing their different personalities, dreams, and aspirations and how they navigate this unique marital situation.

Sidney J. Furie’s direction of My 5 Wives crafts a compelling yet comical narrative, making it a light-hearted treat for fans of classic Rodney Dangerfield comedies. The script, co-written by Dangerfield himself, opens up various scenarios where the protagonist's comedic timing and one-liners shine through.

Furthermore, the casting of the film is done in such a way that the character sketches of each wife blend perfectly with their respective actresses, each portraying distinct personalities that add more depth to the narrative. This, coupled with well-executed comic situations, witty dialogues, and a dash of romance, makes every scene a source of good-hearted laughter.

Rodney Dangerfield’s performance in My 5 Wives is reminiscent of his classic roles from the past; he glows as the charming, unexpected hero who navigates the absurdity of his circumstances with comedic grace. Dice Clay and Byner bring their charismatic and fast-paced comedy styles to the story, creating some uproarious moments, while the partnership between Molly Shannon and Dangerfield provides an additional layer of humor.

Throughout the movie, Monte Peterson’s perspective on love, marriage, and the notion of a happy family evolves in the midst of this chaos. Despite its outrageous and hilarious premise, at its core, the movie also leaves space for a deeper message.

In conclusion, My 5 Wives, with its rich comedy narrative full of unusual but hilarious circumstances, serves as a testament to Dangerfield’s comedic genius and enduring appeal. This movie is a quirky comic adventure and a must-watch for fans of Dangerfield and those who enjoy classic comedy films.