The Next Reel Film Podcast ¡Three Amigos! • The Next Reel
"They called us scum-sucking pigs! Us!"
It was the movie that had ‘hit’ written all over it. Three of the funniest actors starred together for the first time: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short. One of the top comedy directors – John Landis – was at the helm. But for whatever reason, ¡Three Amigos! did not find its audience. Critics were harsh on it and, while it may have made its money back, it was not deemed a success. But time has proven that some films need time to find their audiences. Now with a cult following, ¡Three Amigos! has found its staying power with its absurd comedy stylings. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Seven Samurai family series with Landis’ 1986 film ¡Three Amigos!.
We talk about why this film works so well for us, but also how smartly adapted it is from its forebears. We look at Landis as a director and what he brings to the table here, and also why he wasn’t around so much during the post. We chat about Martin, Chase and Short and how perfect they are for these three silent film stars that get in WAY over their heads. We look at what Elmer Bernstein did here, spoofing his own music from The Magnificent Seven. And we touch on co-writer Randy Newman (you read that right – Randy Flippin’ Newman’s one writing credit is this movie!) and the fantastic songs he wrote for the film.
It’s a riotous film that we acknowledge may work well for us but not for others. And even though it works for us, it’s certainly worth deliberating how many stars to give it. So check it out and hopefully you’ll laugh like we did, then tune in to this week’s show!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Script
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Pete & Andy talk Seven Samurai
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: Free Fire Red Band Trailer — "A story in a tight setting is always fun to see when pulled off well and the cast looks great. Plus red band trailers always make movies look extra fun. I missed High Rise, Ben Wheatley’s last film, but it’s been on my list of must-sees and now this is too."
- Pete's Trailer: Live By Night — "Ben Affleck is back with another Dennis Lehane adaptation (remember Gone, Baby, Gone?), this time a story of prohibition era rum-running, mobsters, and race. I’m a fan of the book, as with other Lehane adaptations (and there are plenty) like Shutter Island and Mystic River. I’m liking Affleck more and more the older he gets. My money says this will be one to catch in theaters."
Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:
- Become a member for just $5/month or $55/year
- Join our Discord community of movie lovers
The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:
- Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
- The Film Board
- Movies We Like
- The Next Reel Film Podcast
- Sitting in the Dark
Connect With Us:
- Main Site: Web
- Movie Platforms: Letterboxd | Flickchart
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | Pinterest
- Your Hosts: Andy | Pete
Shop & Stream:
- Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & more
- Watch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussed
- Originals: Source material from our episodes
- Special offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible