Buddy Goes West

Buddy Goes West is a charismatic and adventurous 1981 Italian comedy-action Western film that unfolds in the Wild West setting of 19th-century America. The film stars popular Italian actor Bud Spencer, Australian boxer-turned-actor Joe Bugner, and Italian actor Piero Trombetta. Directed by Michele Lupo and written by George Eastman and Bruno Corbucci, the film eclipses the ambiance of the Wild West with humor, action, heartwarming comradeship, and rousing daring-do.

The film’s central character is a gruff but genial, mustachioed and burly 'Buddy', played by Bud Spencer. Blessed with brawn more than brain, Buddy, a kind-hearted drifter with a knack for stumbling into comical misadventures, ventures on a journey through the American Wild West. Being blessed with Herculean strength and a sly sense of humor, Buddy often finds himself in situations that involve brawls and comedic antics, only to escape just as things start to heat up. This central character's charismatic personality and unique combat skills bring both laughter and lively action into the film.

Joined by his companion, a charming but irascible fair-cheat and small-time swindler known as 'Crazy Legs' (played with candid enthusiasm by Joe Bugner), the duo commences on an amusing journey that involves delightful banter, hilarious escapades, and an array of unforeseen predicaments. Crazy Legs' street-smart shenanigans juxtaposed with Buddy's large-hearted bravado forms a significant part of the film's comic appeal.

As the film advances through this amusing expedition, our heroes incur the wrath of various bandits and villains who desire to seize and manipulate their ostensible naïveté for their own nefarious purposes. Unfortunately for these villains, they soon discover that tangling with Buddy and Crazy Legs is not as easy as they anticipated. The characters Buddy and Crazy Legs encounter throughout their journey give the movie an unusual yet delightful mix of the absurd and the charming, making it an unmissable feature.

Piero Trombetta plays a delightful role in the film that further accentuates the humor and adventure in Buddy’s journey. Several other renowned actors and actresses play pivotal roles and bring a sense of dynamism to the film. The ensemble cast aligns superbly well to give the viewers a genuine hearty laugh, elements of adventure, and a good time at the movies.

Unlike other typical spaghetti western flicks of that era, Buddy Goes West brings in a unique flavor that is both light on violence and high on humor, leading to an overall enjoyable cinematic experience. There are no gun duels at high noon, no revengeful quests, but simply a hearty mix of good laughs and rollicking adventure. However, it is not totally devoid of drama. Elements of danger are sprinkled throughout the film to spice up the lighthearted narrative, making it interesting for the audience until the very end.

Notably, the production values and set-pieces are robust and impressive, with an accurate period setting capturing the essence of the Wild West in a way that is both realistic and pleasant to the eye. The film also includes a visually pleasing cinematography that truly does justice to the numerous desert and town scenes that populate the movie. The emphatic punches and comic brutality are topped with peppered humor, adding a much-needed variety in the otherwise dramatic scenes.

Buddy Goes West, with its distinctive mix of adventure, humor, camaraderie, and gripping storyline, gained a considerable fan base after its release. Amidst the crowded cadres of countless spaghetti Westerns, Buddy Goes West occupies an undeniable comfort zone. The excellent presentation coupled with the outstanding performance by the lead actors, soundtracks aligning with the Wild West, and screenplay that strikes a balance between humor and action, make it worth watching, especially for those who want a blend of light-hearted comedy and high-spirited action in their movie choice.

For those in search of a jovial flick that combines the thrill of Western action with good-natured humor, Buddy Goes West proves to be a great pick providing both a light-hearted viewing experience highlighting the thrills and spills of the Old West along with a good dose of laughter.