"A Million Ways To Die In The West" is the second directorial outing for "Family Guy" creator, Seth MacFarlane. The film takes place in Old Stump, Arizona in 1882, and MacFarlane, who also co-wrote, plays Albert. Albert is a well to do sheep farmer, that really does not like life in the American west. In a hilarious monologue, Albert tells us all of the crazy, and random things that take your life. From disease to shootings, as well as the doctors could all lead to your demise. Albert lives a pretty mundane life, until a mysterious woman named Anna comes to town. Anna gives Albert confidence, while Albert shows Anna stability.
MacFarlane recruits an impressive supporting cast for the film. With actors known for their dramatic work, Charlize Theron and Liam Neeson, and comedic actors and comedians, Neil Patrick Harris, Sarah Silverman, and Giovanni Ribisi. All the actors blend together very well, and play off each other perfectly. There are also some well timed cameos, like Christopher Lloyd as his "Back to the Future" character Doc Brown.
Overall "A Million Ways To Die In The West" is a pretty good early summer comedy. Is it on par with MacFarlane's first feature "Ted"? Not quite, but it is hard to repeat a majorly successful film. So the big question is, is it worth the ticket price? Yes it is. The film is crude, crass, rude, and offensive, or basically everything you enjoy about Seth MacFarlane. So in the season of the big budgeted blockbuster with CGI robots and slow motion explosions, go see this comedy western at a theater near you.
At A Glance
"A Million Ways To Die In The West"
Three out of Four Stars
Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, and Neil Patrick Harris
Directed by: Seth MacFarlane
Rated R
Running Time: 116 Minutes
