Outlaws, angry drunks, scorned hookers, disease, hungry animals, minor injuries, the weather – there certainly are plenty of ways to meet your end in America’s old West. Add to the list dying of boredom from sitting through this, Family Guy and American Dad creator Seth MacFarlane’s follow-up to debut feature Ted. Not even the impressively star-studded lineup is enough to resuscitate this adaptation of MacFarlane’s debut comedic novel.
Sheep farmer Albert (MacFarlane) is completely out of place in the treacherous West. While his cowardice has helped keep him alive, it’s also cost him the love of girlfriend Louise (Amanda Seyfried). New to the town is Anna (Charlize Theron), who befriends Albert after he uncharacteristically rescues her from a bar brawl, offering to give him shooting lessons prior to his upcoming duel for Louise’s hand. The typical training montage ensues with Anna and Albert having fallen in love by the end. But when Anna’s husband, notorious gunslinger Clinch (Liam Neeson) arrives, Albert must go against his nature to win the woman he loves.
While there is definite potential for greatness here – impressive cast, big budget, original idea – the very thin plot and limited gags would have been better suited to the familiar 30-minute, animated format on which MacFarlane’s reputation is built. Adding to the woe is the constant commentary provided by the two leads, picking apart their hash surroundings and pointing out the absurdities with living in such a time. While providing many of the film’s comedic moments, their unsuitably modern tone is never explained, resulting in a phoney feel. Not to be overlooked, though, is the best cameo that anyone born between 1970 and 1985 is ever likely to see – guaranteed.
While MacFarlane is never one to shrink from a challenge, it’s questionable whether the gamble paid off this time.
2/5 stars
A Million Ways To Die In The West is in cinemas now.
