It Can Be Done, Amigo

It Can Be Done, Amigo, a 1972 Spanish-Italian-French co-production, is a classic western comedy that brilliantly mixes action, humor, and drama. The movie’s star power, powered by performances from Bud Spencer, Jack Palance, Francisco Rabal, and Dany Saval, brings this offbeat, caricatured western tale to life with an inexplicable charm and gusto.

The film, helmed by revered director Maurizio Lucidi, takes the audience on a wild ride through a raucously funny world steeped in the Old West's familiar trappings. It plays heavily on the classic tropes of the genre, saturating them in a layer of humor and light-heartedness. Despite its clear embedment in the comedy genre, it also manages to weave in a considerable measure of traditional Western grit and determination, creating a unique, smoothly blended genre flick.

The story kicks off in the rugged wilderness of the Old West, a world where the law of the land is determined more by the crack of a whip or the blast of a gun than any formal statute. Bud Spencer plays the character of Coburn, an unruffled, good-natured drifter who lives by his own rules.

His serene life takes an unexpected turn when he unintentionally inherits a six-year-old girl and her sizeable estate, which happens to include a coveted piece of land. The inheritance isn’t without its challenges though; a condition stipulated in the will states that Coburn must marry within a month to maintain custody of the girl and ownership of the estate.

This unconventional task is further complicated by the presence of Sonny (played by Jack Palance), a hot-tempered gunslinger who also has a vested interest in the land. Palance's character is strikingly different from Coburn's: intense, menacing, and eager for confrontation. Sonny tracks Coburn across the rough terrain of the West, attempting to establish his own claim to the property. This bounty hunter from Coburn's past further adds tension to the storyline, with his relentless pursuit creating many comedic and dramatic moments in the story.

While Palance and Spencer steal much of the movie's spotlight, Francisco Rabal also delivers a standout performance as a hired gun who stumbles upon Coburn and his problems. With his own sense of justice and charm, he provides an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. Dany Saval plays the role of a seductive woman who gets embroiled in the story’s complications, adding another layer of intrigue to the plot.

The movie's title, It Can Be Done, Amigo, encapsulates the central concept of the film - that determination, wit, and a sense of humor can often help one overcome even the most challenging situations. It’s a comedic romp that plays on the idea of the underdog who, despite the odds, believes that 'It Can Be Done'.

The screenplay by prolific Italian screenwriter Barbara Alberti is tightly constructed, with wonderfully planned cause-and-effect scenarios and smart, humorous dialogue. The vivid, striking cinematography and the characteristically grand Western vistas further enhance the film's storytelling.

Adolfo Waitzman’s score brilliantly supports the film’s humorous and action-packed sequences, effectively underscoring the thrilling capers, high-energy chase scenes, and dramatic stand-offs. The film’s music, a unique blend of traditional Western motifs with a whimsical, playful twist, greatly enhances the movie's overall appeal.

In conclusion, It Can Be Done, Amigo is a light-hearted, action-packed, and humorous rendition of a Western—from the striking showdowns in dusty deserts to frenetic saloon brawls. The talented cast's winning performances and the eccentric but enjoyable blend of comedy, action, and drama make this film a highly entertaining experience. Despite its comedic approach, it's a Western at heart, steeped in the traditional themes of grit, resilience, and justice. It’s a must-watch for fans of the genre, as well as those seeking a fun, quirky cinematic experience.