30 Years Later, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’sHow the West Was FunDeserves More Recognition

Mar. 15, 2025

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in ‘How the West Was Fun’ in 1994.Photo:ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

Of the films child starsMary-KateandAshley Olsenstarred in throughout their years as actors,How the West Was Funis an underrated classic that holds up surprisingly well 30 years later.

Released in 1994, when the twin stars were just 8 years old,How the West Was Funis consistently one of the least-loved films in the Olsen twins’ compendium, based on online reviews, though a first viewing decades after its release proves the movie is a bit more timeless than initially anticipated.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in ‘How the West Was Fun’ in 1994.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

Upon arrival, godmother Natty (Peg Phillips) is surprised to learn Jessica and Susie’s mother died three years earlier, despite their father writing a letter to inform her. Natty’s son, Bart, is also present at their arrival, boasting about how horrible business has been and that the dude ranch will soon be sold for a hefty sum of money.

It’s a decidedly bland premise, but one that still invokes a sense of nostalgia for simpler times when it seemed possible that connecting with one’s inner child would always prove to be more valuable than money. Though it’s not a film that won any awards (nor should it have), it holds a surprising sensitivity to the delicate relationship between a Western ranch and Indigenous communities considering its age.

The Olsen twins’ characters are also surprisingly savvy at negotiating, making me wish I had them on speed-dial them next time I try to negotiate my own salary. They even manage to rope George into creating aHome Alone-type trap to delay Bart’s inevitable meddling in their dude ranch rescue mission.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen tying up Bart in ‘How the West Was Fun’ in 1994.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

The film wraps everything up in a neat little bow at the end, giving it a decidedly happily ever after (and their widower dad his first chance at love since his late wife’s death). The businessman who took a chance on a weekend retreat at the ranch decides to gift Natty and the business a large sum of money to pay off its debts — and even agrees to lower his profit share to a measly 10% thanks to the twins’ negotiations.

Though stumbling upon a cave of fool’s gold after a day-long excursion hoping to find wealth isn’t currently a viable path to save a failing business, for the 90 minutes ofHow the West Was Fun, it’s easy to believe that’s just enough to make (literal) dreams come true.

source: people.com