The Three Amigos (1986)

The Three Amigos is another one of those landmark eighties comedies. Perfect in its execution in every way. The casting is ideal, in every role. The script never slows down. The movie manages to be beautifully shot as well as convincing visually. The tone from which the subject matter is approached is done perfectly, a slight change in tone and the whole thing could've been a flop.

But a flop it was not. Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short are perfect as silent film stars who are down on their luck. Willing to do anything for their next job, they accidentally get drawn into a war between some innocent townspeople and a marauding villain named, "El Guapo". But like all great comedies, the plot is not the best part of the film. It's just the set up from which all of the film's jokes arise. Directed by John Landis, who is quite the notable director and did some of his best work in the eighties, the film moves along at an excellent pace.

You'll also be treated to a couple of amusing musical sequences, several stunts, countless sight gags, and near perfect comedic timing from our three male leads. You can expect amusing cameo appearances by Jon Lovitz, Phil Hartman, and Joe Montegna. Alfonso Arau almost steals the show as the bumbling, "El Guapo". (Which means, "handsome" by the way.) This is actually a Saturday Night Live movie, as just like "Tommy Boy" it was partially written by Lorne Michaels. Michaels tends to always be heavily involved in any films that he helps to produce. Another surprise writing credit goes to Randy Newman. Yes, the same Randy Newman who you know and love for singing songs such as, "You've Got a Friend in Me". He also makes a brief cameo as the, "singing bush".

This movie has a lot working for it. Even if you don't like eighties movies, chances are you like one of the stars. Even being a Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, or Martin Short fan can ensure that you'll enjoy this one. This movie also works for people who love Westerns. The comedy of the Three Amigos isn't a spoof of westerns, but more of a beloved tribute to the genre. The western it mirrors most closely is, "The Wild Bunch". (Alfonso Arau also had a role in that movie.) This film is an absolute must-see, and if you've seen it but you don't own it, you most definitely should.

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