Year: 2000
Runtime: 100 min
Language: English
Director: Sidney J. Furie
A mild-mannered banker and a rough-around-the-edges mobster unexpectedly team up to challenge a ruthless real estate mogul. Their unlikely partnership leads to a chaotic and hilarious series of events as they devise a clever, yet ridiculous, scheme. Witty banter and physical humor drive the comedic situations that unfold, leaving a trail of unexpected consequences.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Read the complete plot breakdown of My 5 Wives (2000), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
As affluent Los Angeles land developer Monte Peterson embarks on a new venture—a ski resort in Utah—he unwittingly becomes ensnared in a web of intricate polygamous customs and high-stakes property transactions. Following the collapse of his third marriage, Monte travels to the Beehive State, where he encounters the cunning Preston Gates, a ruthless banker hell-bent on seizing land for mob investors eager to establish a casino.
After a triumphant victory in a land auction, a friend reveals the quirky traditions of the region to Monte, disclosing that his recent land acquisition comes with an unusual requirement: he must marry the three widows of the previous landowner. Initially disgusted by this strange notion, Monte’s spirits are lifted when he meets the captivating Judy Tylor, Kate Luyben, and Angelika Baran. Ultimately, he takes all three as his wives, only to discover the monumental task of balancing their expectations and culinary desires.
As Monte treads deeper into this perplexing arrangement, he uncovers an unexpected connection between one of his new spouses and Preston Gates, whose ties to Las Vegas mobster Tony Morano bring forth a slew of underhanded tactics. When another local resident dies, Gates attempts to capitalize on the situation by claiming the deceased’s land and two widows, Emmanuelle Vaugier and Anita Brown. Initially reluctant to engage in yet another marriage, Monte is soon won over by the culinary skills of these new prospects.
In a bold strategic move, Monte clears the debts left by their former husband, foiling Gates’ schemes once again. Frustrated, Gates turns to Stewart to catch Monte indulging in his vices, aiming to secure his excommunication from the church and force him out of town.
As a reward for his resilience, Monte treats his wives to an extravagant trip to Las Vegas, immersing them in the city’s vibrant nightlife, complete with casinos, tennis courts, and sandy beaches. The wives attend a transformative empowerment seminar led by Dr. Van Dyke (played by Molly Shannon), who champions female dominance in relationships. In a twist of events, the wives find themselves at a gentlemen’s club, necessitating Monte’s hurried rescue. In a surprising turn, Monte takes to the stage, performing alongside the male dancers, thrusting him into the spotlight.
This enriched summary preserves the heart of the original plot while adding vivid descriptions and diverse sentence structures for a more immersive reading experience. As Monte’s wives gradually assert their authority, they begin to cultivate independence from him. Meanwhile, at Monte’s ski resort site, human remains are discovered, leading to speculation about an ancient Native American burial ground.
Trapped in a customer’s scheme devised by Gates, Monte falls victim to a counterfeit accusation, landing him in jail. As word spreads about the grave discovery, Monte’s loyal assistant Ray confirms that they’d been working on sacred land. During a town trial, while Gates pushes for Monte’s expulsion from the community, Monte’s wives and his waiter-lawyer, Paul, stand as character witnesses. Still, despite their testimonies, Monte is declared guilty.
With Tony and Shuffles in town delivering orders from crime boss Don Giovanni to eliminate Monte, Gates revels in claiming his Native American heritage, which he uses as leverage to assert ownership of the land and transform it into a gambling center. In a surprising act, Monte’s wives decide to rescue him from jail by crashing a truck through the facility gates.
Racing back to the excavation site, Monte is met by authorities who expose Gates’ nefarious plans. The police arrest Gates, clearing Monte of his troubles. However, as fate would have it, Don Giovanni appears, recognizing Monte as an old friend from childhood, leading to a reprimand of his own henchmen for the confusion that endangered Monte.
In a final moment with his five wives, Monte grapples with their collective future, ultimately finding himself unceremoniously expelled from their lives. However, he exits Utah with a newfound contentment, embarking on a life with his ninth and current wife, Dr. Van Dyke, who appreciates him for the sensitive soul she had always yearned for.
Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:57
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Mismatched teams who turn chaos into a hilarious and victorious plan.If you enjoyed the chaotic partnership in My 5 Wives, you'll love these films about mismatched characters teaming up. Discover similar comedic stories of bankers, mobsters, and other odd pairs who join forces for a ridiculous but triumphant scheme. Find your next laugh-filled adventure here.
The narrative follows a classic odd-couple structure where initial friction gives way to a synergistic, if chaotic, partnership. The central conflict is often external—a common enemy or obstacle—that can only be overcome by combining the duo's unique, contrasting skills. The journey is filled with comedic mishaps and escalating stakes, culminating in a victory that solidifies their bond.
These films are grouped by their core comedic engine: the dynamic between two opposites. They share a light tone, fast pacing due to the frantic nature of their schemes, and a focus on the humor derived from character clash rather than deep emotional drama, resulting in a consistently fun and energetic experience.
Hilarious stories that use ridiculous premises to playfully critique society.Fans of the ridiculous premise and satirical humor in My 5 Wives will enjoy this selection of absurd comedies. Explore movies that take a normal situation and turn it on its head with a whimsical, high-concept plot. Find more films that blend hilarious chaos with a playful critique of society.
The narrative is built around a single, outrageous concept that challenges the status quo. The plot follows the logical (and illogical) consequences of this premise, leading to a series of increasingly whimsical and unexpected events. Characters often navigate the chaos with a straight face, heightening the comedy and the subtle satirical points about the subject being lampooned.
This thread groups movies that prioritize a unique blend of high-concept absurdity and light satire. They share a whimsical mood, a fast pace to keep the absurdity rolling, and a light emotional weight, ensuring the experience remains fun and humorous from start to finish.
Don't stop at just watching — explore My 5 Wives in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what My 5 Wives is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of My 5 Wives with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape My 5 Wives. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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