My first introduction to Rodney Dangerfield was `CaddyShack'. He was hilarious and witty. My 5 Wives is a watchable movie but does tend to be a stage for Rodney's old one liners'. I had the occasional chuckles, but overall this one may get flack from some quarters for its subject matter. Rodney (twice divorced) moves to `Poligomyville' Utah to buy land to build a ski resort. On purchasing the land he finds himself the proud owner of 5 new wives also. That's right, the proud owner. When the original owner of the land died, the new owner gets his wives as part of the deal. Fortunately for Rodney (now well into his later years), all of his new wives are gorgeous 20 somethings. If you like risque', slapstick boy/girl gags, this one is for you. If you're looking for something with a little more to it. Leave it.
21 Reviews
Dangerfield was in a league of his own with his self deprecating humor
jimwt6629 December 2021
Even back then his style of humor was rarely used. Sure, most comics make fun of themselves from time to time but his was based on it all the time. It's something that if you didn't grow up with it you probably won't find it funny. The whole body shaming and other things that is so popular now is exactly what he did to himself. Would he be attacked for doing it to himself now?
Anyway, the show is far fetched like all of his movies. But it is basically a clean version of what was popular back then. A lot of his adult humor was based on innuendos and things only adults would get...Back then of course now not so much.
He's kind of the slap stick comedian but with words. Another flashback was Andrew Dice Clay. Now that was a comedian who was definitely r-rated. This is probably the longest he has ever made a show without swearing.
Give it a shot if you are a fan of the 80s, 90s because this is what it was all about. A lot of it is kind of dated because a lot of his routine was in a way social based and we have changed quite a bit since the 80s, IMO not all for the good.
Anyway, the show is far fetched like all of his movies. But it is basically a clean version of what was popular back then. A lot of his adult humor was based on innuendos and things only adults would get...Back then of course now not so much.
He's kind of the slap stick comedian but with words. Another flashback was Andrew Dice Clay. Now that was a comedian who was definitely r-rated. This is probably the longest he has ever made a show without swearing.
Give it a shot if you are a fan of the 80s, 90s because this is what it was all about. A lot of it is kind of dated because a lot of his routine was in a way social based and we have changed quite a bit since the 80s, IMO not all for the good.
Air!!! I need air!!!
imz1_uc14 December 2002
NOTICE: if you're slow to get one-liners, you won't get most of the jokes. If you're fast on your toes(you need to be, at least the first half of the movie is a full-speed-ahead barrage of one liners), and your mind is usually in the gutter, this is the movie for you. You might watch this a few times, and keep getting jokes that you didn't get before. Absolutely a riot. Dangerfield proves that he is still the coolest "Dirty old man" around. I laughed so hard I couldn't breath.
Poor Rodney
dario8714 November 2000
I almost burst into tears watching this movie. Not from laughing but from the memories of a great Rodney Dangerfield movie. Candyshack was his first and stole the movie, Easy Money had him at his best, and Back To School is by far an 80's classic masterpiece. Then there was Ladybugs and that's when it started to show. Poor Rodney was getting old (Meet Wally Sparks was a slight step up from Ladybugs but not saying much).
In My 5 Wives Rodney plays Monte (a name he must love since that was his name in Easy Money) a rich (isnt he always) guy who loves women and gets married like its nothing. Well now he inherits a huge piece of land and since the land was run by the Amish, he inherits 5 Wives. This sounds like a great idea for a Dangerfield movie. The problem is EVERYTHING. The script is so poor that Rodney seems to be saying his one liners to the camera and all the side characters have nothing to do. The movie looks like it was shot on video with some really poor stunt sequences that are obviously not Rodney. Andrew Dice Clay plays a gangster who looks like he is dying to say the F word (which he should since the film is rated R but plays as if it was PG) and Jerry Stiller has a nice 2 minute cameo. Don't get me wrong, at times I did laugh at a few of Rodney's jokes but the poor man is getting way too old and way too slow. We can see his jokes coming from miles. And the film turns way too PC which thanks to the horrible 1990's, the 70's and 80's Rodney just doesn't work anymore.
In My 5 Wives Rodney plays Monte (a name he must love since that was his name in Easy Money) a rich (isnt he always) guy who loves women and gets married like its nothing. Well now he inherits a huge piece of land and since the land was run by the Amish, he inherits 5 Wives. This sounds like a great idea for a Dangerfield movie. The problem is EVERYTHING. The script is so poor that Rodney seems to be saying his one liners to the camera and all the side characters have nothing to do. The movie looks like it was shot on video with some really poor stunt sequences that are obviously not Rodney. Andrew Dice Clay plays a gangster who looks like he is dying to say the F word (which he should since the film is rated R but plays as if it was PG) and Jerry Stiller has a nice 2 minute cameo. Don't get me wrong, at times I did laugh at a few of Rodney's jokes but the poor man is getting way too old and way too slow. We can see his jokes coming from miles. And the film turns way too PC which thanks to the horrible 1990's, the 70's and 80's Rodney just doesn't work anymore.
An anachronism
Arne-124 July 2005
Having watched 10 minutes of this movie I was bewildered, having watched 30 minutes my toes were curling - I simply couldn't believe it: The movie is really awful. In fact it is so awful, that I had to watch all of it just to be convinced(!). During this, I came to realize that it reminded me of a bunch of Danish so-called comedies from the 60's and 70's. The pattern is as follows: Take one extremely popular comedian, make a script putting this comedian in as many grotesque situations as possible, add a bunch of jokes (especially one-liners), and spice it up with a couple of beautiful young girls - film that, and you have a success! I wouldn't know if this movie was a success, but unlike the Danish tradition which died quietly (with a few great comedians) it seems that there is a market for this kind of movie in the US.
Shame on you, Rodney
negralito20 January 2008
Unbelievably awful film. I watched part of this on T.V. recently. My jaw dropped as I watched a horrendously conceived plot and listened to mind-numbing drivel. Not a single line from the master of one-liners could come close to producing anything resembling a chuckle. It was so bad it made me want to exhume Rodney Dangerfield's body, slap him around and scream, "How could you?" I know many films are done in haste, hoping to cash in on the popularity of a given actor or theme. But please, Hollywood, show a little respect for your audience. It's sad and scary that people were expected to pay to see such tripe. The bottom of the cesspool, even by Sunday afternoon television standards.
good old Rodney......
rupie14 December 2000
Being an avid Rodney fan, I probably liked this flick a lot more than if I weren't. I thought his last effort - Meet Wally Sparks - was pretty poor, and I found this to be an improvement, perhaps because it uses Rodney's old stand-up persona to greater effect. Once you pretend you don't know that polygamy is illegal in the U.S, you can sit back and enjoy the many jokes about the difficulty Rodney has in, er, fulfilling his husbandly duties toward his five wives. This is hardly a great comedy, but well worth catching for devoted fans of Mr. Dangerfield.
A Dangerfield Disaster
sddavis6315 January 2003
I have to confess right off that I have never been a fan of Rodney Dangerfield. Indeed, from me he gets "no respect." I watched this only because my wife wanted to see it, and found exactly what I expected: a stupid story without any real humour. It's full of lame, crude jokes and a totally ridiculous plot revolving around a developer's (Dangerfield) plans to build a ski resort in Utah that just didn't capture my attention at all.
In addition to Dangerfield the film starred a weak cast, including the likes of Andrew Dice Clay and the totally over the hill John Byner (I didn't even know he was still around until I saw his name in the credits for this.)
This truly is a Dangerfield disaster.
2/10
In addition to Dangerfield the film starred a weak cast, including the likes of Andrew Dice Clay and the totally over the hill John Byner (I didn't even know he was still around until I saw his name in the credits for this.)
This truly is a Dangerfield disaster.
2/10
Has Rodney ever failed us?
mattymatt4ever5 June 2001
The answer is no. The premise is quite original and the plot is paper-thin, as well as the characters (If you watch the DVD version, it's hilarious to watch the actors in interviews try to intellectualize the meaning of this film). But with Rodney to save the day, who needs those things? If you want to see some more of that hilarious Rodney material, this film won't let you down. Each scene is noticeably a setup for more of Rodney's schtick. However, I do think the film sags towards the end.
The plot is so badly written and the situations are so cheesy that you NEED Rodney to save each scene. Unfortunately, he can't be there all the time. Andrew Dice Clay is another good comedian, who can be funny when he wants. He's given a character so lame that there really isn't much to play around with. But for those who regard the mention of Andrew Dice Clay in the cast list as a warning...he doesn't utter a single curse word. For those who fear his raw vulgarity, you have nothing to worry about.
"My 5 Wives" is often funny, sometimes hilarious, and you should only see if it you're in the mood for some good jokes. Don't expect anything else. But it's a comedy and it often delivers the goods. I just wish the characters in the supporting cast could've been given better roles. There are some very talented actors like Molly Shannon and Jerry Stiller who are pretty much...wasted. Rodney is funny as always, though.
My score: 7 (out of 10)
The plot is so badly written and the situations are so cheesy that you NEED Rodney to save each scene. Unfortunately, he can't be there all the time. Andrew Dice Clay is another good comedian, who can be funny when he wants. He's given a character so lame that there really isn't much to play around with. But for those who regard the mention of Andrew Dice Clay in the cast list as a warning...he doesn't utter a single curse word. For those who fear his raw vulgarity, you have nothing to worry about.
"My 5 Wives" is often funny, sometimes hilarious, and you should only see if it you're in the mood for some good jokes. Don't expect anything else. But it's a comedy and it often delivers the goods. I just wish the characters in the supporting cast could've been given better roles. There are some very talented actors like Molly Shannon and Jerry Stiller who are pretty much...wasted. Rodney is funny as always, though.
My score: 7 (out of 10)
Stupid film
Voikkari20 March 2001
This movie was so bad, outdated and stupid that I had rough times to watch it to the end. I had seen this Rodney guy in Natural Born Killers and I thought he was funny as hell in it, but this movie was crap. The "jokes" weren't funny, actors weren't funny, anything about it wasn't even remotely funny. Don't waste your time for this! Only positive things about this were the beautiful wives :) and Molly Shannon who I'm sure tried her best, but the script was just too awful. That's why I rated it "2" instead of "1", but it's definitely one of the worst films I've ever seen.
Rodney On A Bad Day Is Still Incredibly Funny!
Sunsphxsuns25 June 2021
Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! I'm embarrassed by a few of the unpleasant, negative reviews for My 5 Wives. Review this film as a Lampoon, sure, why not? But review it with a sharp Harpoon? Now, that's unnecessary overkill. Dangerfield deserves better given his legacy and contributions to the industry. It was Dangerfield who gave career starts to struggling comedians like Jim Carrey and Tim Allen. He took them under his wing and shepherded them until they could find their own "comedic voices."
Jacob Rodney Cohen, born November 22, 1921, was a multifaceted, stand-up comedian, actor, producer, screenwriter, musician and author. His self-deprecating one-line jokes such as, "I get no respect," have risen to the status of iconic humor. Who else could have the King of late night talk shows, Johnny Carson, laughing to tears when Dangerfield was his guest? Dangerfield was so well loved that UCLA's Division of Neurosurgery named a suite of operating rooms after him and gave him the "Rodney Respect Award." Dangerfield's status was elevated to some pretty rarified company. Other recipients of the "Rodney Respect Award" include Tim Allen, Jim Carrey, Louie Anderson, Bob Saget, Chelsea Handler, Chuck Lorre, Kelsey Grammer, Brad Garrett, Jon Lovitz and Jamie Masada.
Sure, My 5 Wives isn't Caddyshack or Easy Money. And yes, the plot is a tad tenuous. But that doesn't stop Dangerfield from zinging out classic one liners. Indeed, any film with Dangerfield in it immediately became a stage for his outrageous improvisations, and no film escaped his witty humor. For this alone, My 5 Wives deserves "a lot more respect."
Jacob Rodney Cohen, born November 22, 1921, was a multifaceted, stand-up comedian, actor, producer, screenwriter, musician and author. His self-deprecating one-line jokes such as, "I get no respect," have risen to the status of iconic humor. Who else could have the King of late night talk shows, Johnny Carson, laughing to tears when Dangerfield was his guest? Dangerfield was so well loved that UCLA's Division of Neurosurgery named a suite of operating rooms after him and gave him the "Rodney Respect Award." Dangerfield's status was elevated to some pretty rarified company. Other recipients of the "Rodney Respect Award" include Tim Allen, Jim Carrey, Louie Anderson, Bob Saget, Chelsea Handler, Chuck Lorre, Kelsey Grammer, Brad Garrett, Jon Lovitz and Jamie Masada.
Sure, My 5 Wives isn't Caddyshack or Easy Money. And yes, the plot is a tad tenuous. But that doesn't stop Dangerfield from zinging out classic one liners. Indeed, any film with Dangerfield in it immediately became a stage for his outrageous improvisations, and no film escaped his witty humor. For this alone, My 5 Wives deserves "a lot more respect."
What was this piece of s*i*?
skmt14 July 2001
Rodney Dangerfield is a great. He has done a lot of great works. But this one....is awful. The whole plot is whack. It could have been much better. The jokes in the movie aren't funny....their stupid. This was very not so hilarious. He can do much better than this.
Hilarious!
Brosnan20423 August 2001
I just saw this movie 2 days ago and it was hilarious.Rodney Dangerfield has still got great comedic talent.The story was very good (if you like this kinda spoof comedy film).I really did like every part of this movie and i highly recomend it.
Same old jokes
Foggy-75 December 2000
If you seen Rodney Dangerfield's previous movies and performances, you'll recognise several of the jokes made in this odd piece of dreck. Written like a sitcom, this movie fails to strike any sort of likeable chord throughout, from the self-help doctor played by the aways sexy-as-chopped liver Molly Shannon to the 'I'm fat, and therefore funny' John Linette. The 5 wives themselves are likeable enough, and if this had been done as a pilot for an action-adventure series, it might have worked. Instead, it comes off like a male fantasy that's trying hard not to be politically incorrect.
Rodney on the Rocks
wes-connors1 September 2012
After his third divorce, wealthy wise-cracking Rodney Dangerfield (as Monte Peterson) buys resort property in Redwood Springs, Utah. He is surprised to find the "property" comes with three wives. An additional deal nets Mr. Dangerfield two additional wives. They dress conservatively, but are young and sexy. Later on, you will see them in bikinis. Dangerfield finds it hard to keep up with the sex demands. He also must convert to the Mormon-type religion, which means no smoking, drinking or gambling...
Dangerfield's land developing rival is John Byner (as Preston Gates). With help from overweight assistant John Pinette (as Stewart), Mr. Byner tries to catch Dangerfield violating the laws of the church. Loud-mouthed Andrew Dice Clay (as Tony Morano), feminist writer Molly Shannon (as Barbara Van Dyke) and Godfather-type Jerry Stiller (as Giovanni) become involved. Paul McGillion has a good bit as the waiter turning lawyer, and there are a couple of crude laughs, in this otherwise embarrassing comedy.
*** My 5 Wives (9/8/00) Sidney J. Furie ~ Rodney Dangerfield, John Byner, John Pinette, Andrew Dice Clay
Dangerfield's land developing rival is John Byner (as Preston Gates). With help from overweight assistant John Pinette (as Stewart), Mr. Byner tries to catch Dangerfield violating the laws of the church. Loud-mouthed Andrew Dice Clay (as Tony Morano), feminist writer Molly Shannon (as Barbara Van Dyke) and Godfather-type Jerry Stiller (as Giovanni) become involved. Paul McGillion has a good bit as the waiter turning lawyer, and there are a couple of crude laughs, in this otherwise embarrassing comedy.
*** My 5 Wives (9/8/00) Sidney J. Furie ~ Rodney Dangerfield, John Byner, John Pinette, Andrew Dice Clay
Retread-But it Rodney
jam-358 December 2003
This was a watchable movie, but plot was a little weak and most of the jokes were from some of Rodney's earlier movies. With that said, it was worth the time to watch. I gave this a 5 out of 10. So basically, its one of those movies that you do not go out of your way to see, but if you find it on the tube, take a chance.
Off Day for Rodney
emguy1 March 2003
When Rodney Dangerfield is on a roll, he's hilarious. In My 5 Wives, he's not on a roll. The timing of the one-liners is off, but they're the best thing going for the movie. The five women who play the wives don't add up to one whole actress between them. The plot is very weak. Even the premise is pretty weak; there are a few jokes about having multiple wives, but the situation has little to do with anything else in the movie. Most of the movie could play the same way even if Rodney's character had only one wife, so the premise seems more like an old man's fantasy than a key part of the comedy. Another old man's fantasy: we're supposed to accept that Rodney's character is an athletic skier.
Jerry Stiller seems to be phoning in his role just to do a buddy a favor, and the rest of the name actors must simply be desperate for work.
The odd nods to political correctness later in the movie don't really do anything for the movie. For those who like their movies politically correct, the non-PC humor is still there in the first place, and the seeming apologies for it still don't get the point. For those who hate seeing a movie cave in to political correctness, the PC add-ins are just annoying digressions.
This has to be the mildest R-rated movie I've ever seen. There are some racy jokes, and the bedroom scenes would have made shocking TV 40 years ago, but that's about it. Maybe it was the topless men (kidding).
The DVD features interviews where the cast members seem to find depth and importance in this movie and in their roles. I kept wondering if they were serious or kidding. They seem to be serious, but I kept thinking, "They must be kidding!" There's also a peculiar disclaimer suggesting that since the movie never actually names the Mormons or the Church of Latter-Day Saints, that somehow it's not about them. Never mind that the movie features a polygamous religion in Utah, and makes reference to Brigham Young.
In short, My 5 Wives was a disappointment. I was hoping for Rodney on a roll, but the best I can say for the movie is that Rodney was looking pretty good for a guy who was pushing 80 at the time.
Jerry Stiller seems to be phoning in his role just to do a buddy a favor, and the rest of the name actors must simply be desperate for work.
The odd nods to political correctness later in the movie don't really do anything for the movie. For those who like their movies politically correct, the non-PC humor is still there in the first place, and the seeming apologies for it still don't get the point. For those who hate seeing a movie cave in to political correctness, the PC add-ins are just annoying digressions.
This has to be the mildest R-rated movie I've ever seen. There are some racy jokes, and the bedroom scenes would have made shocking TV 40 years ago, but that's about it. Maybe it was the topless men (kidding).
The DVD features interviews where the cast members seem to find depth and importance in this movie and in their roles. I kept wondering if they were serious or kidding. They seem to be serious, but I kept thinking, "They must be kidding!" There's also a peculiar disclaimer suggesting that since the movie never actually names the Mormons or the Church of Latter-Day Saints, that somehow it's not about them. Never mind that the movie features a polygamous religion in Utah, and makes reference to Brigham Young.
In short, My 5 Wives was a disappointment. I was hoping for Rodney on a roll, but the best I can say for the movie is that Rodney was looking pretty good for a guy who was pushing 80 at the time.
One Star for Five Wives
wbarnu1928 March 2002
As much as I love Rodney Dangerfield, this was a terrible movie. The plot was kind of a holistic rip off of various movies, but unfortunately they forgot to rip off any good jokes. In addition it was annoying and boring and that's being kind. If you're looking for a good laugh, rent a copy of Private Parts.
Sweet, Yet another Rodney great!!
Anticriticdotnet15 November 2000
I'm a huge fan of Rodney even though he is way before my time, I'm only 19 so most of his stuff was done before I was around. Now I just watch as many as I can and I was amazed to find out that he is actually still working which is great because he is one of the funniest guys I've seen, I saw Wally Sparks and Godson among others in the past but now he came out with this masterpiece called my 5 Wives. It's simply a Rodney Dangerfield look at mormans, mainly the sexual side heh. I can't and won't spoil anything of course but trust me if you love the usual Rodney then he has nothing to let you down with in this flick. Keep em coming Rodney never retire!!!
The only reason you could hate this movie is if you are a big prude or just not a fan of Rodney's type of perverted humor, if none of those bother you then I can personally guarantee you will love this movie like I did.
The only reason you could hate this movie is if you are a big prude or just not a fan of Rodney's type of perverted humor, if none of those bother you then I can personally guarantee you will love this movie like I did.
Yet another great Rodney Dangerfield film. A++++
earnhart200011 February 2001
Funny movie, but misguides people about the LDS religion...
jackosmoseque7 July 2006
If anyone knew anything about the Mormon (Laymans terms for Latter Day Saints) Church, they would know that polygamy was outlawed from the church centuries ago, therefore they DON'T practice it. But there are different "break-off" religions who still practice it like the RLDS, they are against the Mormons. I, being a Mormon, suggest that some people should do some research before saying or doing anything on the Mormon church... like Matt Stone and Trey Parker, they did an awesome job portraying Mormon missionaries in Orgazmo because they know their stuff on the religion, they did a full South Park episode on it. But all in all, it is a Rodney movie and it is funny, but don't let it mislead you...
6.5/10
6.5/10
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