A Million Ways to Die in the West

                The year 2012 had released the first feature film directed and written by Seth MacFarlene, “Ted.” It was a film that really managed to satisfy the public with a very funny premise and a cast that really allowed the jokes to work well. I had praised the film for being one of the best comedies in a while, but that didn’t stop people from turning against me for liking it (much like “The Amazing Spiderman”). So to those people, let me make something clear to you…JUST BECAUSE I ENJOYED “Ted,” DOESN’T MEAN I’M KISSING MACFARLENE’S ASS. I don’t think he’s perfect because he made a film that I had no problem with. “Family Guy” is still hit-and-miss; “The Cleveland Show” I don’t care for; and while I do still like “American Dad,” it’s still flawed. There’s no way that MacFarlene’s just as talented as other comedians like Mel Brooks or Monty Python whatsoever. Which brings us to his newest film, “A Million Ways to Die in the West.”

                In 1882 Arizona, MacFarlene plays a sheep farmer, named Albert Stark, who is a complete windbag. He can’t shoot, he can’t stand-up for himself that much, he can’t even keep a good relationship. After a break-up with his girlfriend, he tries to find a way to win her back, through the help of a new girl in town, Anna, who helps him learn how to shoot well and be bolder. Only problem is that Anna is actually the spouse of Clinch Leatherwood, the famous outlaw.

                Now is the film as good as “Ted?” Oh, hell no! Did I like this movie though? Yes, but it’s no “Blazing Saddles.” Here’s how I see this: “A Million Ways” is more geared toward the “Family Guy” side of MacFarlene’s comedy, as it seems to have many hit-or-miss jokes going around the film. When it works, it works; but when it falls, it REALLY falls. Not only that, but some of the big jokes were spoiled in the trailers. I’m really hating how almost every trailer now-a-days just gives away the whole movie, because studios don’t know how to market a movie properly anymore.

                Much like the comedy, the performances are also hit-or-miss. MacFarlene, I’ll give credit is trying his best, but with him in the lead, it feels like he’s just there to complain about how life in the west sucks and crack jokes. Don’t get me wrong, some of the jokes he says can be really funny, but you get my point. Amanda Seyfried, playing MacFarlene’s ex-girlfriend…in all honesty, this is actually a very fitting role; the reason I say that, is because the character is just bland and dull, just like the actress. I may have liked Seyfried in “Les Miserables” and a couple others, but that still doesn’t take away that she’s as dull as brick. In fact, I think a brick would have been much more fitting than her. Charlize Theron as Anna was alright, and she manages to bring some good humor as well; I just felt like she was a bit underused here. However, the most underused part of this film was Liam Neeson as Clinch Leatherwood. While he is still awesome, I think they should have allowed a bit more of this character in the film, and give him something more to work with.

                As for the rest of the cast, they seem to deliver some pretty damn good jokes there. Hell, I’ll even admit that the best friends in the film, played by Giovanni Ribisi and Sarah Silverman, were pretty good as well. Yes, Sarah Silverman was good in another movie I’ve seen her in. I mean, it’s a couple that saves sex for marriage, yet Silverman’s character works at a whore house; that’s hilarious. However, the best part about this movie was Neil Patrick Harris as Amanda Seyfried’s new boyfriend, Foy. I don’t want to spoil anything big, but this character really had me laughing at the things he says. The best way I could describe him is this: if Barney Stinson’s obsession with suits was replaced with moustaches, and was more of a douche, then you have Foy. Not only that, but the moustache song he has (not kidding) is very catchy.

                Overall, while “A Million Ways to Die in the West” isn’t as funny as it could have been, I still had fun with it, especially since me and my friends had some great fun with it. It has its moments, and the supporting cast does help add to the film, with a few very funny cameos as well. If you’re not into Seth MacFarlene’s style of humor, then I can understand not liking this. However, if you are, I’d say it’s worth a matinee.

Rating: 7/10