🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: James Signorelli
- Genre: Comedy
- Release year: 1983
- Runtime (length): 1h 35min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A fat, gambling-addicted baby photographer has to stop being himself for a year to get a bunch of money, but will probably get some respect in the process… maybe.
🍿 Easy Money: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Monty Capuletti’s Life
Monty Capuletti, a baby photographer from Staten Island, lives a life fueled by bad habits: drinking, gambling, smoking, and junk food. His lifestyle clashes with his wealthy, disapproving mother-in-law, Mrs. Monahan, who despises his lack of ambition and respectability. He enjoys spending time with his equally undisciplined best friend, Nicky.

The Inheritance Challenge
Mrs. Monahan unexpectedly passes away, leaving a will with a surprising stipulation. Monty is set to inherit her considerable fortune—a staggering $10 million—but only if he can abstain from his vices for an entire year. If he fails to curb his drinking, smoking, gambling, and unhealthy eating habits, the money will go to her scheming nephew, Clive Barlow. His family supports him, but his own desires and bad influences make it a tough challenge.

Monty’s Struggle and Temptations
Monty embarks on a difficult journey to change his ways, facing constant temptations and setbacks. Nicky, despite being a friend, often exacerbates the problem with his own unruly behavior. Monty’s attempts at clean living lead to humorous situations, including awkward encounters, physical mishaps, and the constant yearning for his old lifestyle. He must navigate the year without respect to get the money.

Daughter’s Wedding Side Story
In addition to Monty’s challenge, the film incorporates the subplot of Monty’s daughter Allison’s marriage to Julio, a charismatic but somewhat dubious character. Allison struggles with intimacy and the consummation of her marriage, adding another layer of family dynamics and comedic tension to the story. This storyline, ultimately culminates with Julio accidentally shooting Monty, adding to the movie’s comical end.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Monty Capuletti (Rodney Dangerfield): A hard-living, gambling-addicted baby photographer who must change his unhealthy ways to inherit a fortune.
- Nicky Cerone (Joe Pesci): Monty’s best friend and partner-in-crime who enables his bad habits.
- Mrs. Monahan (Geraldine Fitzgerald): Monty’s wealthy and disapproving mother-in-law whose will stipulates his lifestyle change.
- Rose Capuletti (Candice Azzara): Monty’s loving but exasperated wife who wants him to get the inheritance.
- Clive Barlow (Jeffrey Jones): Mrs. Monahan’s scheming assistant who stands to inherit the fortune if Monty fails.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Monty: “My mother-in-law, for years I wouldn’t kiss her face; I end up kissing her ass.” – Monty says this at the end of the movie, after winning the bet and receiving the inheritance.
- Monty: “I smoke too much, I drink too much, I gamble too much. I’m a dedicated slob.” – Monty describes himself at the start, highlighting the vices he needs to overcome.
- Monty: “Someone shut the fat little bastard up!” – Monty yells this while trying to photograph a bratty child, showcasing his impatience.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: $29,309,766
- Worldwide Gross: $29,309,766
💥 Easy Money Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely love this movie! Rodney Dangerfield is hilarious, and Joe Pesci is amazing as his sidekick. The scene where they try to buy the “Regular Guy Look” is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. This movie always cheers me up, and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a good laugh. This movie is my comfort food!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Rodney Dangerfield’s stand-up comedy”
- “Viewers who enjoy 80s comedies”
- “Those looking for light-hearted, lowbrow humor”
- “Fans of Joe Pesci’s comedic roles”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Crude humor and language”
- “Substance abuse (drinking, smoking)”
- “Gambling references”
- “Brief female frontal nudity”
- “Sexual innuendo”
- “Suggestive themes”
- “Mature Themes”
Professional Reviews
- Rollingstone.com: “Charley Crockett Is Taking Texas to the World, maybe his music can find a place in Easy Money 2.
- eyeforfilm.co.uk: “A great opportunity by Jennie Kermode in this movie.
Audience Reactions
Rodney Dangerfield and Joe Pesci’s chemistry is amazing and makes the movie hilarious.: Viewers generally agree that the movie is a funny, lighthearted comedy perfect for a casual watch.
Overall Consensus: A funny, albeit somewhat predictable, comedy that’s mainly enjoyable due to Rodney Dangerfield’s performance and the chemistry with Joe Pesci.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Rodney Dangerfield stated that the character of Monty Capuletti was the closest to his real-life persona.”
- “The movie features an early role for Jennifer Jason Leigh before her rise to fame.”
- “Billy Joel wrote and performed the title song, “Easy Money.””
- “Filming took place in Staten Island, New York, adding authenticity to the setting.”
🖥️ How to Watch Easy Money?
Easy Money is currently available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for cable or streaming options. Be sure to compare prices as they can vary between platforms. Some libraries also offer DVD rentals.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Easy Money, you might like these similar films:
- Caddyshack (1980): Shares Rodney Dangerfield’s signature comedic style and low-brow humor.
- Brewster’s Millions (1985): Features a similar premise of inheriting a fortune with unusual conditions.
- My Cousin Vinny (1992): Stars Joe Pesci in a comedic role, showcasing his wiseguy persona.
- Bad Santa (2003): Dark comedy about a flawed character trying to change for financial gain, with crude humor.
🛒 Easy Money Related Products
- Easy Money [Blu-ray]: A high-quality Blu-ray version for collectors. Enjoy the movie in crisp, remastered quality with behind-the-scenes content.
- Rodney Dangerfield: No Respect (Stand-Up Comedy): Get digital access to more of Rodney Dangerfield’s iconic stand-up comedy. This stand-up special shows Rodney at his finest.
- “I Get No Respect” T-Shirt: Official ‘Rodney Dangerfield’ T-shirt. Featuring his famous catchphrase, “I Get No Respect”. High quality, comfortable material.
- Joe Pesci Film Collection: This collection includes some of Joe Pesci’s most iconic performances in films such as “Goodfellas”, “Casino”, and of course, “Easy Money”. A must-have for any fan of Pesci’s comedic and dramatic work.
🎧 Soundtrack
Easy Money features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Easy Money was primarily filmed in New York, specifically on Staten Island, capturing the authentic atmosphere of the Capuletti’s neighborhood. Notable filming locations include 57 McVeigh Ave., New Springville, Staten Island, New York, USA(The Capuletti’s House).
While both films star Rodney Dangerfield and share a similar comedic style, Easy Money is not a direct sequel to Caddyshack. They are separate stories with different characters and plots. Easy Money is often considered a spiritual successor due to Dangerfield’s similar comedic persona.
The catchy and memorable theme song for Easy Money is written and performed by the iconic singer-songwriter Billy Joel. His upbeat, energetic style perfectly complements the film’s comedic tone.
🔥 Bonus Content
Rodney Dangerfield at His Best on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1983)
Want to see why Rodney Dangerfield was a comedy legend? This clip from The Tonight Show, recorded right before ‘Easy Money’ hit theaters, is pure gold. He had Johnny Carson in stitches and you will be too!
Rodney Dangerfield – Funiculi, Funicula
Remember that hilarious scene in ‘Easy Money’ where Rodney Dangerfield belts out ‘Funiculi, Funicula’? Check out this video for a quick reminder of the moment. You won’t be able to resist singing along!
EASY MONEY RODNEY DANGERFIELD & JOE PESCI
Missed ‘Easy Money’? Or simply wanna relive the best moments with Rodney Dangerfield and Joe Pesci? Then you NEED to check out this short tribute video! It’s a perfect dose of nostalgia and comedy.
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