Three Amigos (1986)

 

If you are up for a light-hearted film that never takes itself too seriously and has some laughs, then this one might be right up your alley. I loved this one as a kid and I still rewatch it with fondness, even though I must admit it is far from perfect. 

The year is 1916. Bandits are harassing a small town in Mexico and the people are on the search for someone who will rescue them. When they discover a silent film being played starring the Three Amigos, they think they have found the heroes to help them, not realizing that these are just actors. 

Meanwhile, our intrepid trio gets fired from the filmstudio and when they hear about this 'assignment', they assume it is a show that they will be handsomely paid for. However, they soon realize that there is a lot more at stake. But will they find their heroic footing and actually save the town? 

This is a feelgood film, what do you think is going to happen?

The storyline is just what it is, nothing special. Also, it's just there because the filmmakers needed a semblance of a plot in there somewhere, because it all revolves around our three leads: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short. And they are always stealing the show with their antics. You see, pretty much every scene is a comedy short and the entire idea of them having to rescue the town is more of an afterthought because they needed a reason to get from A to B. This also means that a lot of things that happen make no sense at all. Why is there suddenly a singing bush, for example?

No one knows and it doesn't matter. 

Not all of the jokes land, alas. You could think that with these three comedy heavyweights, this would be uproariously hilarious, but that is not always the case. That is a shame, because this film could have been even funnier. As it stands now, it is funny, but more in a smirking kind of way. 

In any case: this is harmless fun and if you fall for its charm, you will like it as one of those films you sometimes come back to, but it will never be remembered as a masterpiece. Take it for what it is and hopefully enjoy!