Alright, settle in, grab your beverage of choice, and let's rewind the tape back to 1981. Remember wandering the aisles of the video store, scanning those wonderfully worn-out covers? Sometimes you’d stumble onto something familiar yet slightly different, a European flavour sneaking into the usual Hollywood fare. That's exactly the vibe of Michele Lupo's Buddy Goes West (or Occhio alla penna, as our European pals knew it), a film that arrived just as the serious Spaghetti Western was riding off into the sunset, making way for its goofier, fist-first cousin.
If you rented this expecting gritty gunfights and squinting anti-heroes, you might have been surprised. But if you were keyed into the particular brand of mayhem delivered by the one and only Bud Spencer, you knew exactly what glorious nonsense you were in for. This isn't Leone; it's pasta western by way of The Three Stooges, and frankly, it’s wonderful comfort food cinema.
### The Big Man Rides In
The setup is pure, simple Spencer: our hulking hero, Buddy, is wandering the dusty plains with an orphaned Native American boy, Pablito (played with surprising charm by Piero Trombetta), when they stumble into the town of Yucca. Thanks to a classic case of mistaken identity involving a stolen doctor's bag, the perpetually hungry and easily irritated Buddy is suddenly believed to be the town's new physician. Naturally, chaos ensues, involving a gang of bumbling bandits led by the imposing Sheriff Bronson, played by none other than real-life heavyweight boxing champion Joe Bugner.
Seeing Bud Spencer lumber onto screen is always a treat. His sheer physical presence, combined with that world-weary grumble and surprisingly expressive face, is instantly magnetic. He wasn't an actor in the traditional sense, perhaps, but he was a movie star, commanding the screen with effortless charisma. It’s a fun fact that Spencer (real name Carlo Pedersoli) was actually an Olympic swimmer before finding fame smacking down bad guys – maybe that explains the fluid power behind those signature hammer-fist blows!
### Slapstick Meets Six-Shooters
Let's talk action, because that's the main course here. Forget intricate choreography or John Woo-style ballets of bullets. This is pure, unadulterated slapstick violence, elevated to an art form. When Buddy gets riled up (usually because someone’s interfering with his meal), the results are spectacular displays of cartoon physics brought to life. Remember how loud those punches sounded on the old VHS speakers? That satisfying thwack as some poor goon gets sent flying backwards over a table? That’s the stuff!
The genius lies in the practical execution. These aren't weightless CGI figures bouncing around; these are real stunt performers taking real (albeit carefully planned) tumbles. When Buddy flattens multiple guys with a single swing, or uses someone as a human battering ram, it feels tangible. The timing is impeccable, honed through years of Spencer and director Michele Lupo (who also helmed Spencer classics like Lo chiamavano Bulldozer) perfecting this formula. It's dated, sure, the sped-up sequences and exaggerated sound effects might seem quaint now, but back then? It felt hilariously impactful.
Having Joe Bugner, a legit heavyweight contender who fought Muhammad Ali twice, as the main antagonist adds a fascinating layer. Their eventual showdown isn't exactly Rocky, but there's a definite sense of two big, powerful guys just whaling on each other with comedic gusto. Bugner holds his own surprisingly well in the acting department, playing the straight man (well, straight heavy) to Spencer’s antics. You can almost imagine the on-set stories of these two titans comparing notes – one a former Olympian, the other a boxing champ.
### More Than Just Fists
While the plot is thinner than cheap saloon whiskey, Buddy Goes West benefits immensely from its supporting elements. The film was shot in Almería, Spain, the same region famous for lending its stark beauty to Sergio Leone’s masterpieces. Seeing those familiar landscapes used for broad comedy creates a playful contrast. And who composed the jaunty, memorable score? None other than the legendary Ennio Morricone! Hearing his iconic style adapted for goofy stagecoach chases and bean-eating scenes is both surreal and delightful, a testament to his incredible versatility. It's a far cry from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, but it has its own infectious charm.
The film was a massive hit in Europe, particularly Germany, where Bud Spencer (often paired with Terence Hill) was practically royalty. It might not have made huge waves Stateside, overshadowed by homegrown blockbusters, but for those of us who discovered it on tape, it was a gateway to the wonderful world of Euro-comedies and Spencer's unique brand of action. It wasn't trying to be high art; it was aiming for pure, unpretentious fun, and it hit that target square in the jaw.
### Final Verdict
Buddy Goes West isn't complex, it isn't subtle, and its humour is decidedly old-school. The plot meanders, the gags are repetitive, and some cultural depictions haven't aged perfectly. But criticizing it for those things feels like missing the point. This movie is about the simple, joyous pleasure of watching Bud Spencer be Bud Spencer: eating impossible amounts of food, grumbling his way through misunderstandings, and delivering thunderous, crowd-pleasing beatdowns to deserving buffoons. The practical stunts have a weight modern effects often lack, and the sheer, good-natured energy is infectious. It's a film powered by charm, nostalgia, and the satisfying thump of fist meeting face.
Rating: 7/10 - The plot is basic and the formula well-worn, but the execution is pure Bud Spencer charm, elevated by fun practical slapstick, Joe Bugner's presence, and a surprisingly delightful Ennio Morricone score. It delivers exactly what it promises: big laughs and bigger punches.
Final Thought: Pure, unadulterated VHS comfort food. Buddy Goes West is a reminder that sometimes, the most satisfying action heroes don't need complex motivations – just an empty stomach and a really solid right hook. Still a ridiculously fun watch if you're in the mood for some classic Euro-brawling.