The Three Amigos - A Hilarious Western Comedy

by Craig Reade
(Huntington Beach, CA)

They're Down On Their Luck And Up To Their Necks In Senoritas, Margaritas, Banditos And Bullets!

This western comedy movie follows the western formula well, but the campy sets and the blending of styles from SNL alums Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short make this movie entertaining from start to finish. I still laugh every time I see them cooking up the bats while they are out on the plains – sitting around a campfire on the cheesiest set you can imagine. Of course, most westerns feature a lone hero – this film differs in that there are three, but they all bring something different to the table.


Three Amigos might not be a film that comes to mind when you are thinking of a good western to watch – comedy is what usually comes to mind. But when you think about the elements of a good western movie, you will see that The Three Amigos definitely qualifies. Western setting? Check. A town in peril? Check. A gang of dangerous rogues that are oppressing the aforementioned town? Check. A hero, or heroes, who aren’t so willing at first, but eventually save the day? A big check. And gunfights? Oh, there are plenty of those.


The plot is pretty simple – a trio of silent movie actors (Lucky Day, played by Steve Martin, Dusty Bottoms, played by Chevy Chase, and Ned Netherlander, played by Martin Short) lose their jobs, and in an effort to start the climb back to the top by journeying to Mexico for what they think is a promotional appearance. Little do they know that the woman who called for them saw their movies and believed their heroism to be real – and wants them to help rid their town of the villainous El Guapo and his gang. Hilarity ensues – at least until Lucky Day gets shot, and realizes that this is no movie set. The Amigos flee, much to the dismay of the town of Santa Poco, not wanting to be involved in a real life western battle. Eventually they realize they have little to go back to, and decide to stand and fight for the people of Santa Poco, rescue the beautiful Carmen, and ride off into the sunset as the heroes they had only pretended to be. At least, that’s the plan. But everything doesn't go as the plan..and you keep laughing!


Slapstick comedy really drives the movie. Scenes featuring the death of the invisible swordsman, the plethora of piñatas, a kiss on the veranda, and sewing like the wind make for a constant chuckle. I can guarantee that you will laugh the entire way through this film. While the movie tries to paint the peril the heroes are in as very real, it goes out of its way sometimes to deliberately point out that it is very much fiction, and meant to be laughed at. Trust me – you will definitely be laughing at this one.


If you are a fan of straightforward westerns, and wouldn’t appreciate something that makes fun of the genre, then this movie might not be for you. But if you have a sense of humor, you should pick this one up immediately. The DVDs are pretty widely available and really cheap at this point – well worth the effort.