Easy Money (1983)

For a pot-smoking, booze-swilling, fatty-food-gobbling ne’er-do-well, a dollar can be a hard thing to come by, and the prospect of countless millions of them landing in your pocket is a fantasy beyond the pale of one’s imagination. Ironically, the said sad-sack’s woes become our delight while watching the sidesplitting flick Easy Money (1983). Not to be confused with the Swedish crime thriller Easy Money (2010), this American comedy centers around Montgomery “Monty” Capuletti” (Rodney Dangerfield), a gambling family man who ekes out a living as a photographer clown at children’s parties. Even when he’s off the clock, the dude’s messing up. For example, he and his buddy Nicholas “Nicky” Cerone (Joe Pesci) are high when they accidentally destroy the wedding cake for his daughter Allison (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Needless to say, Monty’s mother-in-law (Geraldine Fitzgerald) rues the day her daughter (Candy Azzara) ever met him. But when the old crow kicks the bucket, she unexpectedly leaves the shambling shutterbug every last one of her uncountable cents. Yet in order to cash in on this inheritance, Monty must endure a year without the succor of cigarettes, alcohol, fried foods, or other chemical comforts. Before he embarks upon this straight-edged challenge, the loser should know that even if he succeeds, there is bound to be another catch. Speaking of catches, check out topless Ginger Jones (Kimberly McArthur). Rodney might not get any respect, but he does get a great view of Kim’s huge nude boobs as she lays out in the sun. It’s hot!