After Rodney Dangerfield nearly stole the show in 1980's "Caddyshack", studios battled to find the best role for Rodney's first starring vehicle. Three years later, Dangerfield settled on EASY MONEY, a pretty funny vehicle for his talents.
Dangerfield stars as baby photographer Monty Capuletti. He's the stereotypical hard drinking, smoking and gambling working man with a one liner for every situation.
Dangerfield fires off a million lines and a surprising amount of them land for big laughs. Joe Pesci is a terrific sidekick as neighborhood plumber Nicky Cerone. His hair is a character of its own, LOL.
When Dangerfield's mother-in-law dies, her will gives him one year to stop drinking, smoking pot and cigarettes, lose weight and stop his philandering.
It's a classic set up for Rodney to cut loose. Meanwhile, his daughter Allison (Jennifer Jason Leigh) is about to get married to a gang leader, leading to plenty more zingers.
Leigh is a lot of fun, as is the classic Geraldine Fitzgerald (Arthur) as his wealthy mother-in-law.
Monty's crew is hilarious, including Tom Noonan (Manhunter) and Val Avery (The Magnificent Seven) as Louie the Bartender.
Some favorite lines:
To his mother in law: "Yeah, well you were the inspiration for twin beds!"
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During a baby photo shoot:
Blanche Genaro: Look at him, he's such a beautiful boy! He's got my eyes!
John Genaro: And he's got my nose!
Monty: Yeah, and my sympathy.
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Monty: [about his Mother-In-Law] She says I drink too much, I smoke too much, I gamble. I mean she's right, but what can I do? I got no... what's the word...
Nicky: Class.
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EASY MONEY was a hit, knocking "National Lampoon's Vacation" off the top of the box office in 1983. Dangerfield would take his stardom to even greater heights a few years later with "Back to School".
Less crude than many 80's R-rated comedies play three decades later, EASY MONEY drives plenty of easy laughs and box office respect for Rodney. It gets an enjoyable B.
Billy Joel wrote and performs the title song over the opening and end credits.
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