A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST

See it at the Movies

Joyce and Don Fowler
Posted 6/4/14

* *

(Gross, crude,

weak attempt at humor)

Seth MacFarlane has his following of fans who enjoy “Family Guy” and loved “Ted.” We’re not among them. Watching the …

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A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST

See it at the Movies

Posted

* *

(Gross, crude,

weak attempt at humor)

Seth MacFarlane has his following of fans who enjoy “Family Guy” and loved “Ted.” We’re not among them. Watching the writer/producer/actor host the Oscars solidified our opinions.

However, watching the previews for “A Million Ways” and laughing out loud at a couple of outtakes, we were ready to change our minds. Unfortunately, we found a million ways to hold on to our negative feelings for this guy’s brand of humor. Comparing this movie to “Blazing Saddles” is like comparing “Blended” to “Citizen Kane.”

It all starts with MacFarlane, who has written himself a terrible role as a cowardly sheep farmer trying to survive in the Wild West in 1882. Albert’s girlfriend (Amanda Seyfried) has left him for the suave mustachery storeowner Foy (Neil Patrick Harris). He saves a mysterious woman (Charlize Theron) from a bar brawl, and she in turn teaches him how to shoot a gun, have confidence in himself and be more manly. The only problem is that Anna is married to Clinch Leatherwood, the meanest gunfighter in the west (Liam Neeson).

A subplot involves a Mormon (Giovanni Ribisi) who is engaged to the local prostitute (Sarah Silverman). He waits patiently while she is earning her living, religiously “saving himself” for the wedding night. It’s a funny premise that is beaten to death with crude humor.

The crudest scenes revolve around bathroom humor, most of which is absolutely disgusting, including a “High Noon” showdown between Albert and Foy in a scene that has Foy defecating after having been slipped a laxative. There is no subtlety in this disgusting moment.

MacFarlane pushes the envelope way too far, leaving the few funny moments overshadowed by outrageous bad taste. One exception: The local carnival has a shooting gallery where people shoot at slaves. Your reaction is negative until a surprise guest makes an appearance during the credits and gains revenge.

Can’t anyone make a good western these days?

Rated a very big R with all of the ingredients of a crude, disgusting and, to add insult to injury, not very funny, movie.

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