[14], A Million Ways to Die in the West grossed $43.1 million in North America and $43.3 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $86.4 million, against its $40 million budget. At his best, MacFarlane delivers funny new takes on the strangest aspects of frontier life the weirdly stiff photos, the constant accidents, the shoddy medicine, the dances and the movies about same. MacFarlane "gives most of his costars little to do besides attract our attention on movie posters;" specifically regarding the romance plot, "Theron carries almost all the weight here, given her partner's unexpected blandness, which makes it vaguely insulting when the third act turns her into a helpless damsel in need of his rescue." Filming began on May 6, 2013, in various locations in New Mexico including Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and it concluded on August 9 that year. While the script is light on the language of Western films -- written with Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild, . It's just another one-joke tumbleweed, lifelessly puttering on screen and then right back off to parts of the audience's memory unknown. They attend a county fair where Louise's new boyfriend, the arrogant Foy, challenges Albert to a shooting contest. Instead of bringing out MacFarlanes better instincts the ones that made "Ted" a rather raucously funny and occasionally sweet comedy the screenplay indulges him in the worst aspects of a poor "Family Guy" episode. Umjesto tipinog utljivog, hrabrog i tajanstvenog glavnog junaka, majstora na pitolju, imamo Alberta - povuenog, nespretnog i nepoduzetnog, kojem je umjesto slave, 'dobrog' glasa koji e ga pratiti i hrabrosti, na pameti prvenstveno njegov vlastiti ivot i ouvanje istoga. Depressed and discouraged by how his life is full of disappointment and how every instance of love is then destroyed and robbed from him, Albert finds comfort in Anna (Charlize Theron), a newcomer to his small village. You're better off letting things be.). There are a million jokes in it, but only 500,000 of them are funny. It turns out that Neeson's Clinch is the one and only serious character. 2 Hours 14 Minutes. [54] Rafer Guzman of Newsday found the film amusing, calling it "another example of MacFarlane's ability to mix poop jokes with romance, foul language with sweet sentiment, offensive humor with boyish charm. It's a tale of the good, the bad and the funny in Liam Neeson's new comedy, "A Million Ways to Die in the West." This should definitely be used as a companion novel, because it is precisely the same thing as the movie and probably works best doing both at the same time. I mean, it's the same thing, right, considering this book is an audio CD? Some people think that makes him a coward. Seth MacFarlane. [16] The film was first announced on December 3, 2012, marking MacFarlane's second foray into live-action directing, after 2012's Ted. A significant roadblock made even larger by the fact that her husband is Clinch Leatherwood, the meanest bandit and gunfighter in the entire region. So far, the results have been mixed. ", STORY: Inside the 'Million Ways to Die in the West' Premiere': Bluegrass, Mallets and Seth MacFarlane, Los Angeles Times' Betsy Sharkey notes that "MacFarlane is a very funny dude, and there are times A Million Ways to Die is indeed funny. The setting is Arizona, circa 1882. The extensive and somewhat convoluted plot sees four outcasts Scott Glenn, Kevin Kline, Kevin Costner and Danny Glover taking on a group of bad'uns in the town of the title, most notably . Descendants Ridiculous Song LyricsThe word "gringo" did not originate during the Mexican-American War (1846-48), the Venezuelan War of Independence (1811-23), the Mexican Revolution (1910-20), or from the American Old West (c. You didn't know it was bad, but you get charged 15 bucks. A computer was produced by VTech in 1984-1986, based on CreatiVision hardware and was compatible with most of its games: Laser 2001, which is also sold in West Germany and was brought to France. Even though A Million Ways to Die in the West wasn't strictly a box office failureit doubled its $40 million budget with an $86.4 million . May 16, 2014, 3:03 AM. Unfortunately, Seth MacFarlane's latest is less "Blazing Saddles" and more "Your Highness.". Most of the jokes simply consist of Albert explicitly pointing how awful the time period is. As the story goes, the Scottish star was in the neighborhood during the production of MacFarlanes movie, starring in Gavin OConnors Jane Got A Gun. A decade-plus CinemaBlend veteran who is endlessly enthusiastic about the career hes dreamt of since seventh grade. So ruthless that the ownership of the New York Times is consulting the script for tips on how to handle its next personnel decision. City Of Angels: "Angel" note by Sarah McLachlan. The decision to make Albert a sheepherder was inspired by Montana (1950) and his average, non-confrontational demeanor by 3:10 to Yuma (1957). Both feature casts far too good for the material, material that relies heavily on how hilarious the viewer finds loose anachronistic profanity and banter, lowest common denominator potty humor and overly violent slapstick. Clinch, having regained consciousness, tracks down Anna to the farm, but Albert helps her escape, then escapes himself. 4 Stars for A Million Ways to Die in the West (audiobook) by Seth MacFarlane read by Jonathan Frakes. Amanda Seyfried and Neil Patrick Harris star in "A Million Ways to Die in the West.". Insidious 3 Google DriveLost In Space , "Return from Outer Space" 2 a. A Million Ways to Die in the West Exclusive Interview with Charlize Theron & Amanda Seyfried. Albert (MacFarlane) is a cowardly sheep farmer living with his grumbling parents in the 1882 American frontier. Director: Seth MacFarlane. Of course, Ewan McGregor wasnt the only cameo in the film, and one of the other great ones was the quick appearance by Ryan Reynolds. (Don't chance it with the doctor. Edward: Hey, dude, you really shouldn't drink and horse. I laughed out loud about twice. A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. If his manner of speaking seems out of place in this film, that's not the only thing. Later, Clinch confronts Anna by demanding that she reveal Albert's name and his whereabouts, or he will kill her. Seth MacFarlane and Charlize Theron Talk A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST, Shooting on Location in New Mexico, Cameos, and Working with Liam Neeson By Christina Radish Published May 27, 2014 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1597166322662-mid-article-2'); }); Every now and then, after your maturity has likely been worn down to the point of surrender,there are a few chuckles to be had. He retires to the saloon, but Clinch arrives and reveals that Anna is his wife, threatening to kill more people unless his wife's lover duels him the next day. PHOTOS: 'A Million Ways to Die in the West' Premiere. There are two celebrity cameos each lasting a second and two pop culture references (one now seen in many of the ads) that aren't as much jokes as they are merely namedropping. [46] The Blu-ray release contains an unrated version (135 minutes), along with the original theatrical cut (116 minutes). "[52] Stephen Holden's review in The New York Times was mainly neutral, calling the film "a live-action spinoff of Family Guy, with different characters. Read what top critics are saying about A Million Ways to Die in the West: The Hollywood Reporter's film critic John DeFore says in his review that "most of the shock-violence gags the movie employs demonstrate the risks not of living in an age before modern medicine but of inhabiting a world whose authors aren't terribly gifted at slapstick." Foy publicly humiliates Albert, who impulsively challenges Foy to a duel in a week's time to win back Louise. It's not that sheep farmer Albert Stark doesn't work hard - he's just not very good at his job. Shes the skankiest hooker west of the Rio Grande. Ticket Box. A few times, MacFarlane and company stumble upon a decent idea. The movie would rather tell the viewer what the joke is (one time near the end, quite literally) rather than actually telling jokes. Seth MacFarlane stretches the boundaries of comedy and propriety as writer, producer, director, and actor in A Million Ways to Die in the West. Among People's Choice Nominees, Plus Find Out Who's Hosting! There may be a million ways to die in the West, but MacFarlane knows infinite ways to murder a joke. It was released as a single on April 29, 2014. The soundtrack was released by Back Lot Music on May 27, 2014. It was released on DVD and Blu-ray on October 7, 2014, and earned more than $15 million in home media sales. If you havent seen the movie yet, please read on at your own risk. This wasnt always the case with the film, however, as its been revealed that the Western comedy has an ending that wasnt shown in theaters. ", The Washington Post's Michael O'Sullivan declares the Western "passably funny, assuming you have the stomach for jokes about diarrhea, sex, death and all manner of body parts (both human and sheep)." From the creator of "Family Guy" and director of "Ted" comes a hilarious first novel that reinvents the Western. When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. A Million Ways to Die in the West originated as an inside joke between MacFarlane and co-writers Sulkin and Wild,[14] while they were watching Hang 'Em High (1968). A few funny moments. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Stream songs including "A Million Ways To Die", "Main Title" and more. Seth MacFarlane stretches the boundaries of comedy and propriety as writer, producer, director, and actor in A Million Ways to Die in the West. Other than casual, profane crudeness none of it delivered with much originality or wit MacFarlanes one big joke is that, yes, the West was a pretty terrible place. If you havent seen the film, read on at your own risk! However, when the infamous West outlaw Clinch Leatherwood (Liam Neeson) arrives in town, Albert realizes that he has just intruded on Clinch and Anna's husband-and-wife relationship, and Clinch is hungry for retribution. Equally exasperated is Anna (Charlize Theron), a sharpshooting cynic who strikes up a relationship with Albert without mentioning that her husband (Liam Neeson) is a desperado who killsindiscriminately. Starring: Seth MacFarlaneCharlize TheronAmanda Seyfried. As we previously wrote about, this scene was partially included as a means of "buying back" one of the more offensive jokes in the movie: the runaway slave shooting gallery. Please refresh the page and try again. "[53] "While the whole thing feels weirdly miscalculated to me, A Million Ways to Die in the West tweaks the formula just enough, delivers a few laughs and keeps the guest stars coming," wrote Salon columnist Andrew O'Hehir. Ratings note: The film contains strong language, sexual situations, brief nudity, substance abuse and violence. Release Dates Meanwhile, Clinch recaptures Anna in town, but Albert returns to Old Stump and confronts him. Writers. Part of the problem is that MacFarlane doesn't seem to have added too much to the film script, so this is a novella . WARNING: The rest of this article contains minor spoilers for A Million Ways To Die In The West. Funny in pieces but since it's a movie first many of the jokes might look better in the movie rather than in the words. How so? [47], A Million Ways to Die in the West received mixed to negative reviews from critics. As a failing sheep farmer, in a town of 75 people, Albert's spirits take a serious nose-dive after his girlfriend of a year and a half Louise, dumps him for Mr. Foy, the suave owner of the town's mustache shop. Coming at it from this angle of negative . Alright, so"), but found that McGregor and his grown facial hair fit right in with the townspeople of Old Stump. This book was definitely Monty Python-esque! A Million Ways To Die In The West is in theaters now. "When I read the script, it made me giggle a lot, let's put it that way. Seth MacFarlane stretches the boundaries of comedy and propriety as writer, producer, director, and actor in A Million Ways to Die in the West. When a mysterious and beautiful woman (Charlize Theron) rides into town, she helps him find his courage as they . The Oscar-nominated actor known for playing good guys is the big baddie, a gun-slinging outlaw named Clinch Leatherwood. Seth MacFarlane might've picked a safer place to make his lead-acting debut than A Million Ways to Die in the West, his directorial follow-up to 2012's surprisingly successful Ted.The . [24] On May 11, 2013, it was announced that Neil Patrick Harris had joined the film. In 1882, in the town of Old Stump, Arizona, timid sheep farmer Albert Stark's girlfriend Louise breaks up with him because of his refusal to defend himself in a duel. NJ native who calls LA home and lives in a Dreamatorium. Bit of language and sex, but i guess you expect that in the wild wild west! Get help and learn more about the design. The Oscar-nominated actor known for playing good guys is the big baddie, a gun-slinging outlaw named Clinch Leatherwood. Recently, however, hes tried stepping out from his cartoon or CG creations in the hopes of making a bigger, broader career for himself. For a few chuckles more. What may surprise you, however, is that one of the funniest in the film was neither in the script nor Seth MacFarlanes idea. [51], Claudia Puig's review in USA Today was largely positive, writing, "A Western with a contemporary sensibility and dialogue that sounds markedly modern, A Million Ways to Die in the West is quintessential MacFarlane, at once silly and witty, juvenile and clever. Nov 20, 2014. All told in modern language with current pop culture references. A Million Ways to Die in the West (Blu-ray + DVD) $1.99 . ", "IFMCA: the International Film Music Critics Association IFMCA Winners 2014", "RAZZIES Celebrate 35 Years of Worst Achievements in Film with Inclusive Nominee List and New "Redeemer" Award", Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=A_Million_Ways_to_Die_in_the_West&oldid=1141239364, Films with screenplays by Seth MacFarlane, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Wikipedia articles needing rewrite from November 2022, Album articles lacking alt text for covers, Rotten Tomatoes template using name parameter, Articles with MusicBrainz release group identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, "If Youve Only Got a Moustache" (composed by, Christopher Hagen as George Stark, Albert's abusive father, Dylan Kenin as Pastor's Son, who is killed by Lewis in the bar, This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 01:59. He's a weakling, but he's got strong feelings on one main point: the West. Nancy Pelosi husband attack: Who is David DePape, suspected Paul Pelosi. [30] The film shoot was difficult, as the cast and crew navigated rough weather: "everything from hailstorms to blistering heat to arctic winds and torrential rainstorms. After leaving the dance, Albert and Anna kiss before heading home. NJ native who calls LA home and lives in a Dreamatorium. So he agreed.". I got this free from the publisher (I was trying to win a signed copy for a family member who's a big fan of Mr MacFarlane's work, but got a runner-up prize of a non-signed copy). Edward, said dumb friend, is in some sort of sadistic relationship. So it's only really news when a great musician or band puts out a turgid stinker. Albert is attracted to her, initially, by her beauty, but realizes she's the courage and confidence he has always hungered for. At the Empire, the Kips Bay, the Union Square, others. script coverage (uncredited) . There was a problem. I personally had this as an audio book, which to me means it is probably a lot funnier. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century": an economics lecture that's actually fun. [61], Rene Rodriguez of the Miami Herald gave the film one star, commenting, "There are enough laughs scattered throughout A Million Ways to Die in the West that while you're watching it, the movie seems like a passable comedy. Many of the requisite gross-out gags involve her professional life, and though I tend to reject bodily emissions humor, MacFarlanes crew does find some surprising uses for it that fit the films absurdist, irreverent vibe. This version also has even more footage in deleted scenes, and an alternate beginning and ending. IE 11 is not supported. Step 1: Go to the Xbox Gift Card Generator. "It's quite romantic," Neeson said of his character's name during a visit to TODAY Monday. Meanwhile, infamous outlaw Clinch Leatherwood shoots and kills an old prospector over a single gold nugget. This is an amusing observation, but its delivered as exactly that, then repeated until its initial promise has been taken out back and mercifully put out of its misery. A Million Ways to Die in the West Blu-ray Seth MacFarlane NEW. "[50] Another review aggregation website, Metacritic, gave a score of 44 out of 100, based on reviews from 43 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". He orders his right-hand man, Lewis, to escort his wife Anna to Old Stump while he continues his banditry. Tired of his moping and wimpiness, Alberts callous girlfriend Louise (Amanda Seyfried, given little to do but deserves credit for putting on a good face when the movie mocks her signature big eyes for a cheap meta-insult) breaks up with him, leading to more moping. A Million Ways to Die in the West, out Friday, is co-written and directed by Seth MacFarlane, who also stars in the R-rated Western comedy alongside Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, Neil Patrick Harris, Sarah Silverman and Liam Neeson. [3], The film grossed $16.8 million in its opening weekend, finishing in third place at the box office behind fellow newcomer Maleficent and the previous weekend's opener X-Men: Days of Future Past. During a barn dance the night before the duel, Anna gives Foy a Mickey. Thanks to its excessive 116-minute running time (which feels even longer after the movie has a big showdown, only to remember Neeson is still in the movie and chug on for another 20 minutes), sitting through the movie feels like panning for gold in a long, polluted stream of profanity, poop jokes and sheep privates. ", The New York Times' Stephen Holden writes that "this flighty comedy, which imagines itself a son of Blazing Saddles, demolishes the heroic mystique of the Old West with the nose-thumbing glee of a rambunctious brat who has just crawled out of a fetid mud puddle." [20] On March 6, it was announced Liam Neeson and Giovanni Ribisi had joined the film. They give him a bowl of peyote, which sends him flashing back to his birth and through painful events of his childhood before a vision of Anna makes him realize he loves her. [34][35] The film was later released nationwide on May 30, 2014.