Key Movies Of My Life: Three Amigos (1986)

The 1980’s were filled with amazing comedy and it was a time when some of our greatest were at their prime. Three of the best were Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short, so when they teamed up in a John Landis film, there was no missing the film, Three Amigos.

Todays Key Movie:

1916, the Mexican village of Santo Poco is facing a threat from the local bandidos and, in an attempt to save themselves from the tyranny of El Guapo, they summon the only heroes they can find, the Three Amigos. Little do they know, the Three Amigos are really washed up hollywood actors who think the request is just another gig from their fans. Soon Lucky Day (Martin), Dusty Bottoms (Chase) and Ned Nederlander (Short) are wrapped up in the attempt to save the small town of Santo Poco a gig that may cost them their very lives.

Why this movie?

I love comedy and in the 80’s some of the best films were being produced. Unlike today, many of these films were not afraid to push the boundaries and this made these films even funnier. I remember being enthralled with this film and my friends & I wanted to be the Amigo’s like you wouldn’t believe. It was one of the first comedy films I remember talking to friends about at school and we would relive every moment of it we could. I love every minute of this film and have seen it dozens of times since my first.

What really amazes me is that this was one of Martin Short’s very first films.  Even though he hadn’t done a feature film like this before,  the man comes off as a solid pro through and through.  In the recent netflix special, Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget For the Rest Of Your Life, they bring up this fact and talk about some of the antics they pulled on one another.  Such as not telling Short that they were not wearing the costumes to the premiere of the film… It is a pretty great special. These guys still have it.

Okay, you like this film, but is it really a ‘good film’?

As I indicated earlier, this is easily one of the best comedies of the 80’s. There is something about it that really resonates even today. Martin, Chase and Short dominate the screen in a film that is reminiscent of a Mel Brooks film. It’s humor and timing is perfect and, despite it’s poor theatrical reception, it has become a cult classic. The supporting cast really help carry the movie as well with one of the most memorable villains, El Guapo, played by Alfonso Arau. Just to give you a taste, one of my favorite scenes in the film involves El Guapo himself. It has a Plethora of laughs.

In addition to the main cast, there are several cameo’s in the film including Jon Lovitz, Phil Hartman, and more. It even has music by the famous Randy Newman who would later become a Pixar mainstay.

With hilarious moments, memorable lines and great humor, this is a film for any and all comedy fans. If you haven’t seen it yet, you are in for a treat.

OK, where do I get this movie?

This film is currently available on DVD and Blu Ray for around $10 but it seems it is not yet available to own digitally, only rentable for some reason. Seeing that I am going more toward digital I was a little disappointed in the later fact.

It is absolutely worth the purchase and you will find yourself quoting it regularly.

of course, here is the trailer:

Late To The Game 07/26/2018

Thank you for reading today. I hope you enjoyed the review. If you would like to read more reviews I have a weekly series called Key Movies Of My Life that comes out every Thursday and also a complete review of Star Trek Discovery. We also have a fun Retro TV Review series in which we are currently reviewing the entire Star Trek The Next Generation Series, episode by episode.

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