Enzo Barboni’s *Go for It* (1983), an Italian-American action-comedy, revels in its own absurdity, transforming mistaken identities into a gleeful spectacle of slapstick and camaraderie. The film follows Rosco Frazer (Terence Hill), a charming drifter, and Doug O’Riordan (Bud Spencer), a gruff ex-convict, who stumble from a roadside brawl into a whirlwind of espionage after being mistaken for CIA agents. Barboni, a veteran of spaghetti westerns, infuses this spy parody with a playful disregard for narrative coherence, prioritizing kinetic energy over logic. The screenplay, penned by Marco Barboni, leans heavily on the duo’s physical and temperamental contrasts Hill’s lithe agility versus Spencer’s bearish strength crafting a dynamic that thrives on their natural chemistry rather than intricate plotting. This is not a film concerned with airtight storytelling; its episodic structure feels like a series of vaudevillian sketches, each escalating the absurdity of the last.

The direction is Barboni’s strongest suit, orchestrating chaos with a deft hand. His camera captures the sun-drenched Miami locales with a vibrant, almost touristy lens, turning the city into a character that amplifies the film’s carefree spirit. The fight scenes, choreographed with balletic precision, are the heart of the film, blending cartoonish violence with impeccable timing. Yet, the cinematography by Ben McDermott falters in quieter moments, with static framing that occasionally dulls the visual flair. Franco Micalizzi’s synthesizer-heavy score, while catchy, feels dated even for 1983, often clashing with the film’s lighthearted tone rather than enhancing it.

Hill and Spencer’s performances are the film’s lifeblood. Hill’s roguish grin and Spencer’s deadpan grumpiness carry scenes that might otherwise collapse under the weight of a flimsy script. Their ability to elevate simplistic dialogue into moments of genuine humor speaks to their seasoned partnership, honed over years of collaborations. However, the supporting cast, including Faith Minton’s imposing yet underutilized villainess, struggles to match their charisma, leaving the narrative feeling lopsided.

*Go for It* is unapologetically frivolous, a cinematic equivalent of a summer fling fleeting, fun, and not meant to be overanalyzed. Its flaws, like the uneven pacing and reliance on dated gags, are overshadowed by its infectious exuberance. Barboni crafts a love letter to the Hill-Spencer duo, inviting audiences to revel in their chaotic dance of fists and wit. For fans of unpretentious comedy, it’s a nostalgic gem; for others, it’s a curious artifact of a bygone era.[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085601/)[](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0085601/reviews)[](https://letterboxd.com/film/go-for-it-1983/)