“Easy Money” (1983) starring the iconic Rodney Dangerfield offers a viewing experience that’s as delightfully chaotic as the life of its main character, Monty Capuletti. While the film might feel somewhat uneven, much like Monty himself, this off-kilter charm is precisely where its appeal lies. Dangerfield, essentially playing a version of his beloved stand-up persona, delivers a performance that echoes the spirit of W.C. Fields, making it a must-see for fans of classic comedic styles and anyone intrigued by the concept of an “Easy Money Movie” scenario gone hilariously wrong.
The narrative of “Easy Money” is straightforward, serving primarily as a framework to showcase Dangerfield’s comedic genius. He portrays a baby photographer whose world is turned upside down when his wealthy mother-in-law bequeaths him a $10 million department store. There’s a catch, of course. To inherit this fortune, Monty must relinquish his cherished vices: drinking, gambling, smoking, late nights, and betting on horses. This monumental challenge sets the stage for a series of comedic mishaps as Monty attempts, with varying degrees of success, to clean up his act and grab the promised “easy money.”
The movie thrives on the strength of its supporting cast, filled with quintessential New York character actors who seamlessly integrate into Monty’s world of poker games and smoky barrooms. These scenes are rich with comedic interactions and provide a perfect backdrop for Dangerfield’s signature brand of humor. Adding to the film’s comedic tapestry is a memorable subplot revolving around his daughter’s wedding to a Puerto Rican man, culminating in a riotously funny backyard wedding celebration. This cultural clash provides ample opportunity for both heartwarming and humorous moments, showcasing the film’s ability to blend different comedic styles.
However, “Easy Money,” despite its laughs, leaves a lingering sense of unfulfilled potential. One gets the feeling that the final cut might have trimmed a more expansive original script. Certain scenes, such as the Puerto Rican groom’s bathroom escapade, feel abruptly cut short, lacking proper comedic resolution. Similarly, sequences like the department store fashion show, inspired by Monty’s questionable wardrobe choices, seem somewhat disconnected from the main storyline. Furthermore, the movie arguably misses a golden opportunity to fully exploit the comedic potential of Monty’s struggle to overcome his vices. Imagine the comedic scenarios that could have unfolded with Dangerfield reluctantly attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting – a comedic avenue that remains largely unexplored.
Another point of contention is the somewhat softened portrayal of Rodney Dangerfield himself. While undeniably funny, the cynical, hard-edged persona that defines his stand-up and records is somewhat diluted in “Easy Money.” The film presents a more palatable, almost lovable version of Dangerfield. Casting him as a baby photographer initially seems like a stroke of genius, reminiscent of W.C. Fields’ comedic roles, yet the film doesn’t fully capitalize on the inherent humor of this juxtaposition. While Monty occasionally shows frustration with the babies, the level of comedic disdain needed to truly elevate this aspect of his character remains untapped.
In conclusion, “Easy Money” is a flawed yet undeniably funny movie, primarily due to the comedic brilliance of Rodney Dangerfield. For devoted fans of Dangerfield, these shortcomings are easily forgivable, and the film offers plenty of laughs and classic Dangerfield moments. However, those unfamiliar with his comedic style might find the film’s disjointed plot and somewhat diluted Dangerfield persona less appealing. While “Easy Money” isn’t the definitive Rodney Dangerfield movie, it’s a worthwhile comedic outing, especially if you appreciate his unique brand of self-deprecating humor and the chaotic charm of an “easy money” scheme gone sideways. Ultimately, whether you find “Easy Money” to be a comedic goldmine or just mildly amusing largely depends on your appreciation for Rodney Dangerfield’s comedic genius.
