A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST - Movie Review

Seth MacFarlane is a funny dude. If you thought the trailers for A Million Ways to Die in the West were funny, just wait until you watch the full movie. It's one great joke after another. MacFarlane definitely has a talent for making people laugh. At least those people that like his sense of humor. I really enjoyed his first feature film, Ted, and this one was an even better all around film. Being a fan of Westerns, the setting played a huge part of why I liked it so much.

The story was simple, but strong. It follows a cowardly sheepherder named Albert (played by MacFarlane) whose girlfriend (Amanda Seyfriend) breaks up with him after he worms his way out of a gunfight. She ends up in a relationship with Foy (Neil Patrick Harris), the owner of the town's mustache salon. 

Not long after, a new girl named Anna (Charlize Theron) rides into town to hide out for a few days. Albert ends up saving her life in an insanely over the top saloon fight. They become friends and bond over their hatred for the Old West. She sets out on a mission to help him win his girl back. I won't reveal anymore about the plot as I want to keep this review spoiler free. 

As you would expect from Macfarlane, the movie is extremely vulgar with lots of Old West profanity and a ton of sexual jokes. It also had its fair share of gross out moments. One of the most surprising aspects of the film is how violent it was. I really didn't expect to see that level of violence in the movie, but it was all in good fun and entertaining to watch.  There are many moments of absurdity, but they land with an awesomely awkward grace.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the movie were the amazing cameos. I won't ruin them for you, but I was shocked by who they were able to get. The cameos are all really short, but well worth the hilarity that they bring to the movie. There's also a mid-credits scene that you have to stay for, so don't leave after you think the movie is going to end.

You can tell that MacFarlane and the cast had a hell of a fun time making this movie. The whole cast was great. It was all acted out in a contemporary style, which made things fun and interesting. The only unfunny person in the film was Liam Neeson, but he was supposed to play a hardcore asshole killer. They didn't lighten up his character at all with any kind of comedy, he was 100% villain. It worked for what the movie was though.

The whole time I was watching the movie I was thinking that MacFarlane could really be the next Mel Brooks. I had a blast watching this movie and, like I said earlier, if you enjoy the director's style of comedy then I think you will too. 

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