My Five Wives

My Five Wives is a 2000 direct-to-video comedy movie that stars comedy veterans Rodney Dangerfield, John Byner, and Andrew Dice Clay. The movie showcases Dangerfield’s trademark one-liners and humor style, which are a hit among comedy fans and critics alike. This whimsical comedy offers a unique take on marital relationships and delivers as a light-hearted, yet thought-provoking, expression of societal norms.

The story is set in paradise, aka, Utah, where Rodney Dangerfield as the real estate magnate Monte Peterson buys a ski resort. However, along with the property deal, he unknowingly takes on three unexpected additions - chosen wives according to the matriarchal society he finds himself in. Going from his previous non-committal bachelorhood, this hilarious plot twist puts him in the husband-role for not one, but three women, which eventually becomes five over the progression of the plot.

Directed by Sidney J. Furie, the movie combines elements of romance, comedy, and drama to create an engaging narrative with many twist and turns. The story mainly focuses on Monte's love life as he, a quintessential bachelor, takes on the challenge of polygamy; a turn of events that is equal parts hilarious, intriguing and morally thought-provoking.

Rodney Dangerfield delivers a sparkling performance as the lead character, Monte Peterson. Dangerfield, known for his iconic self-deprecating humor and witty one-liners, doesn't disappoint in My Five Wives. Varying from subtle innuendos to laugh-out-loud bits of dialogue, his character is as funny as it is enthralling.

John Byner and Andrew Dice Clay, known for their respective comedy personas, bring their unique comic flair to the film. They perfectly complement Dangerfield, and their on-screen chemistry is delightful to watch. Byner lends his voice modulation skills and biting satire, while Clay adds his characteristic edginess to the film. It’s a balanced blend that ensures a laugh track that keeps rolling.

The women who play the wives – Molly Shannon, Jerry Hall, Judith-Marie Bergan, Robyn Peterson and Megan Cavanagh – deliver finely tuned performances that blend seamlessly with the quirky dynamics the protagonists present. They are funny, vibrant and add a wonderful feminine touch to the film’s humorous absurdity. Each wife has unique quirks, which makes watching Monte, navigate the different personalities, that much more amusing.

The other eye-catching aspect of My Five Wives is the scenic backdrop of Utah. From the beautiful mountains to the idyllic settings of the ski resort, the locales are breathtaking and offer a picturesque canvas to the unusually hilarious plot. Director Sidney J. Furie uses these beautiful backdrops to add another layer of visual aesthetic to the movie, making it not just a treat for your funny bone but also for your eyes.

Despite delivering mostly in the realm of comedy, My Five Wives brings to the audience glimpses of the conflicts, adjustments, and emotional journeys that come along with plural marriage. The movie explores these deeper elements without restraining its comedic undertone, a delicate balancing act that it achieves skillfully.

The humor of the movie is delightfully irreverent and refreshingly varied. From deadpan observations to slapstick scenarios, there’s a buffet of comedic tales that keep the tempo upbeat. My Five Wives is certainly a light-hearted romp of marital dilemmas served with the flavor of Rodney Dangerfield's iconic comedy style.

Overall, My Five Wives is an underrated gem in the comedy genre. For fans of Dangerfield's humor or for those just looking for a light-hearted comedy with a bizarre twist, this is a must-watch. While it doesn't shy away from crossing conventional boundaries, it remains entertaining, ensuring an enjoyable movie-viewing experience throughout. It's a hilarious and heart-warming exploration of one man's unexpected journey into the world of polygamy, where he begins to learn, albeit comically, that there's more to love, life, and women than he had ever imagined.