Column: Jesse Johnson’s Movie Review Title: A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST

Western lifestyle is at large in the latest Seth MacFarlane film, A Million Ways to Die in the West.

The plot of the film circles around a sheep farmer named Albert, played by MacFarlane, who lacks the courage to stand up for himself. Then a woman, played by Charlize Theron, comes to town and helps Albert find his courage. This seems to be a very cliché plot to write into a movie, which was intentional- the real plot is to satirize the Western lifestyle and Western films made in the peak of the genre.
Macfarlane directed, produced, co-wrote and starred in the film, something not a lot of film stars can do. One distinct detail of the film is the ensemble cast, ranging from MacFarlane himself, to Liam Neeson, who is the last person you would think would be cast in a satirical movie such as this, since he has been in many serious movies.

The scenery of the film is also a nice touch to the film, some scenes obviously shot in a studio, and some in a real valley, adding the western feel the movie is trying to pass on to the viewer.

If you’re a fan of MacFarlane’s humor, seen in such programs as Family Guy or the box-office smash Ted, then this movie will satisfy your comedic needs. But if you’re a first time viewer of MacFarlane’s humor, I would recommend watching one of Macfarlane’s previous programs before seeing this movie.

All in all, this film is nice to watch when you need a good laugh, or just to watch with your friends on a movie night if you have no other choices.