MacFarlane’s “Million Ways to Die in the West” maintains its humor in crude jokes, but is hindered by predictable plot

Riaz Mamdani
Staff Writer

After hosting the 2013 Academy Awards, and directing “Ted” and “Family Guy”, Seth MacFarlane finally steps in front of the camera to star in his own movie.

MacFarlane’s newest film, of which he directed, co-wrote, and produced, “A Million Ways to Die in the West” is filled with crude and raunchy humor and passionate acting. However a predictable plot that is tinged with a bit of racist undertones hinders the film’s success.

The comedy revolves around Albert (MacFarlane), a coward 19th century sheep farmer whose girlfriend Louise (Amanda Seyfried) dumps him for a sophisticated snob (Neil Patrick Harris). Then comes along Anna (Charlize Theron), a sharpshooting cynic who strikes up a relationship with Albert without mentioning that her husband Clinch, (Liam Neeson) is a desperado who kills indiscriminately.

The raunchy yet humorous jokes, mainly directed at Albert, throughout the film keeps audiences laughing despite countless racist remarks. However racism and humor are a crude, yet entertaining mix adding to the films success.

Aside from the racism, the central “joke” of the film was Alberts cynical view on life on the western frontier in 1882. As such, he’s perpetually intimidated by the endless dangers surrounding him — rattlesnakes, bar brawls, poison gases, toxic food further adding to the films humor.

Another positive aspect of the film is Theron’s substantive acting. Her ability to stay in character, and knowing precisely when and where to burst out laughing keeps viewers connected to the film while adding to the films authenticity.

With a predictable plot, the only thing this film has to offer is humor. Having a classic villan/hero storyline, with no plot progression the film has many boring scenes. The only entertaining aspect of this comedy is its humor, leaving viewers with a raunch-fest of comedy.

Overall the film is hilarious mix of comedy and racism, along with good acting. However with a failing plot, the jokes are the only thing holding the movie together, leaving viewers with basically a modern day flashback to the 19 century when people still didn’t smile in their photos.

“A Million Ways to Die in the West” is rated R and is playing in theaters nationwide.