2014 Movie Preview: #15 - A Million Ways to Die in the West

Release date: May 30

Plot summary: Seth MacFarlane directs, produces and co-writes "A Million Ways to Die in the West." He also plays the role of the sheep farmer (Albert) with an all-star cast that includes Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Sarah Silverman, Giovanni Ribisi and Neil Patrick Harris. After a cowardly sheep farmer backs out of a gunfight, his fickle girlfriend leaves him for another man. When a mysterious and beautiful woman rides into town, she helps him find his courage and they begin to fall in love. But when her husband, a notorious outlaw, arrives seeking revenge, the farmer must put his newfound courage to the test.

My take: After the surprising success of Ted, everyone is curious to see what Seth McFarland can do for a follow-up. I don't imagine most people figured he would choose to do a Western. While the setting may seem unconventional, Seth has once again surrounded himself with a talented group of funny actors who will likely be able to make this the funniest Western since Blazing Saddles or The Shakiest Gun in the West

RBR: In Time

In Time creates a very unique futuristic environment. In an undeterminate point in the future, the phrase 'time is money' becomes literal. When someone is born, they stop aging when they turn 25. The catch, however, is that you only have one year left to live unless you gain earn more time. Even though minutes have become the currency, class warfare still exists and perhaps is even worse than what we face today. Justin Timberlake, who plays Will Salas, becomes a central figure in the battle of haves and have nots when he is given a 100 years of time from someone who has decided who doesn't want to live anymore. Upon entering into the wealthy part of town, he meets Phillippe Weis, one of the richest men in the world and finds himself at odds with him after pairing up with Weis' rebellious daughter (played by Amanda Seyfried). As much as I liked the film's concept, I found myself constantly asking questions about the rules associated with such a society instead of focusing on the story. Unfortunately, the film opts to hammer home the class warfare metaphor instead of truly exploring this unique world its created. As for Timberlake, he may have a decent acting career, but his effort here suggest he still has a way to go before he can be taken seriously as a dramatic actor. I had high hopes for this film, but it fails to really work for any possible audience. Sci-fi fans will be disappointed that the film doesn't explore its premise enough, yet the film is a bit too complicated for it to be appeciated by a wider audience. There's no need to waste your time or money on this one. Rating: ** 1/2