Seth MacFarlane's 'A Million Ways to Die in the West' was a Western spoof that fell flat with critics and audiences alike. The film's biggest issue, aside from its Monument Valley opening credits, is that MacFarlane seemed disinterested in making a Western. MacFarlane's lack of affection for the genre is evident in the film's weak humor and uninspired storytelling. MacFarlane's fans expected a 'Family Guy' spin on Mel Brooks' 'Blazing Saddles', but what they got was a scattershot parody that peaked with Neil Patrick Harris' character getting a laxative before a showdown. MacFarlane's attempt to strike up a Woody Allen-Diane Keaton banter with Charlize Theron fell flat, as he lacked the genuine love for the Western genre that Brooks had. MacFarlane's previous success with 'Ted' was due to casting an A-lister, but this time, he bet on his own acting chops and struck out. The film's financial bust and critical rejection highlight the importance of a genuine love for the genre in successful spoof films.
