Maintenant, on l'appelle Plata

As a teenager, I loved the Spencer/Hill films and this was one of my favorites. When I watched it again a few years ago I was a bit anxious that I might spoil my childhood memories by too clearly seeing its flaws now. I shouldn't have worried: although there are a few flaws (especially the overuse of fist fights and a quarter-hearted attempt at romance) it remains very entertaining. And you won't be able to get the catchy theme song out of your head.

Our two heroes are push pilots of the lowest caliber somewhere in South America. The opening scene in which Bud Spencer flies one of these jokes with wings in bad weather conditions is a classic. First you think it is one of those 'hero overcomes impossible odds' kinds of scenes, and then it turns out not to be, and then, perhaps, it was such a scene after all, in a way. You see: I'm struggling to explain it without giving anything away, suffice it to say that it's clever and funny.

The bad guys are mostly a bit lifeless, with the exception of Reinhard Kolldehoff who makes an excellent sleazy bastard, similar to the kinds Eduardo Fajardo uses to play.

On my first viewing, I sought out an HD version of the film, it had a run time of 90 mins, it was a great film from the duo of Bud Spencer and Terence Hill except when the final act began, there were obvious and horrible cuts to the movie, I couldn't even tell what was happening anymore. I will seek out the longer version. Great film, but the last act on the short version makes no sense, why would they even release this cut version?

Terence Hill and Bid Spencer are a couple of pilots. They're earning money by crashing planes for insurance, or trying to. Now they're on the run, and find themselves in a remote part of Bolivia. It seems to be lousy with emeralds, but the trade is controlled by Reinhard Koldehof. Nonetheless, they get their hands on a junker, restore it, and start to earn money flying supplies in.... but it's not that easy.

This rough-house buddy comedy is a very pleasant affair, with Spencer big and violent, and Hill charming and smart. There's a good musical interlude, some nice location shooting in Bolivia, and some interesting-looking planes for people who are interested in that sort of thing.

The two leads were very popular; they made sixteen movies together. Spencer died in 2016 at the age of 86. Hill is still around, although he hasn't been seen on the big or little screen since 2022.

I liked this movie......it was a change.I always saw their westerns......and i was getting tired of see terence and bud as cowboys. Yeah they are pilots in this movie and they make a plane to ship supplies to prospecters mining for emeralds and a jealous competitor ruins thier business and well.......lots of fights.....just like their other movies.....this movie is good but i suggest you see crimebusters , the trinitys , and my name is nobody!!!!!

The greatest buddy comedy starring Terence Hill and Bud Spencerdoing what they do best. Absolute joyride