Today’s quick review: Three Amigos. To save her village from the infamous El Guapo (Alfonso Arau), Carmen (Patrice Martinez) sends a telegram asking for help from the Three Amigos (Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase), silent film stars who play folk heroes on the screen. Desperate for work, the Amigos head to Mexico for what they assume will be an easy acting gig, only to find themselves face-to-face with bandits who are all too real.
Three Amigos is a comedy adventure about three actors mistaken for the heroes they play on film. The movie takes a classic case of mistaken identity and runs with it. The Amigos are skilled entertainers but hopeless heroes; to save the day, they must rely on showmanship and dumb luck. Energetic performances, consistent humor, and a breezy tone make Three Amigos a worthwhile pick for fans of the lighter side of the comedy genre.
Three Amigos’ greatest strength is its acting. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase are a perfect fit for each other and for their roles. Sharp timing and excellent chemistry help them sell the Amigos as well-meaning but wimpy performers with years of experience together. The leads are backed quite nicely by Alfonso Arau and Patrice Martinez, who each contribute to the delicate balance of conflict and absurdity that the film runs on.
Beyond its acting, Three Amigos features well-judged comedy and a pinch of heart. The jokes are inventive and consistent, with a healthy mix of slapstick, situational comedy, wordplay, and general absurdity. The film has a knack for setting up jokes for down the line, so even its one-off gags feel cohesive with the rest of the film. Still, the jokes aren’t as sharp as in some other comedies, and their effectiveness will come down to taste.
Watch Three Amigos when you’re in the mood for something funny, clever, and carefree. The film’s particular flavor of comedy won’t appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer their humor with a little more bite to it. But the combination of a talented cast and solid fundamentals makes Three Amigos well worth trying. For the wrong viewer, it’s a mildly amusing watch that will never click. For the right one, it can be a hidden gem.
For a sci-fi comedy with a similar premise and tone, try Galaxy Quest. For a raunchier Western coemdy with similar charm, try Blazing Saddles. For a classic comedy about a case of mistaken identity, try The Inspector General. For a comedy that does something similar with the spy genre, try The Man Who Knew Too Little.
6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for simple, feel-good comedy.