Review: McFarlane has exceptional chemistry

Seth MacFarlane’s new movie, “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” is an outrageously comedic spoof of what it would be like to live in the wild American West during the 1800s.

Macfarlane plays a young sheep farmer named Albert Stark. After his girlfriend, Louise (Amanda Seyfried), breaks up with him, Albert challenges her new cocky boyfriend, Foy (Neil Patrick Harris), to a pistol duel. Luckily, Anna (Charlize Theron), who is well versed in handling a six-shooter, offers to teach him the ways of the West and how to win his doll-like lass back. While trying to learn, Albert has to put up with Foy’s attempts to belittle him, as well as figure out if Louise is truly the woman that is meant for him.

MacFarlane writes, directs, produces and stars as the lead actor for this film. In a way, you could say that “A Million Ways to Die in the West” is his new baby, after “Ted,” his most recent film.

Most people associate the name Macfarlane with crude humor and racy jokes from his television series, “Family Guy” or “American Dad.” This movie differs only in the respect that he has a live-action role. While the humor in the movie is a lot like the humor seen in “Family Guy,” it differs by not being as childish as we all know that show’s Peter Griffin to be.

As for MacFarlane’s first live-action role, he performs exceptionally well. The actual material he is joking about is surpassed only by the great execution of his jokes. Of course, his all-star cast helps him out.

This movie definitely delivers when it comes to the cast, which includes memorable actors such as Liam Neeson, Seyfried, Harris, Sarah Silverman, Theron, and, of course, MacFarlane. The best part is that each contributes at least something comedic to the movie, whether it be Silverman’s portrayal of a bible-thumping whore or Harris’ depiction of a cocky moustache salesman.

MacFarlane has exceptional chemistry with his cast mates, playing off of their jokes almost seamlessly. The only discernable way the audience can note he is improvising is that his co-stars can hardly keep a straight face.

These miniscule interruptions are countered so well in the movie, that you barely notice them, however.

The movie is rated R, and rightly so. The humor is very crude and derogatory, besides a little bit of slapstick humor used every now and then. Leave the kids at home with the grandparents; you don’t want them to see this. Anyone holding strong ties to their Native American heritage might want to go into it with more of an open mind, as well.

All around, “A Million Ways to Die in the West” was an incredibly well-thought-out movie. The landscapes are beautiful, and the town looks rustic. The actors all work together really well, sharing screen time so we get to see all of the big names more than once. All this – being directed by one of the best comedians of our time.

In the end, all that matters in a comedy is if it can make us laugh. This film delivers. Leaving the theater, my biggest worry was trying to figure out which part I thought was the funniest. “A million Ways to Die in the West” is a must-see for someone with an appreciation for crude, slapstick humor.