The 5 Worst Movies Shot in New Mexico

The 5 Worst Movies Shot in New Mexico

Films so bad, their only redeeming quality is that they were shot here.

5. A Million Ways to Die in the West

Director: Seth MacFarlane

Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron and Liam Neeson

A Million Ways to Die in the west made me want to do exactly that, Die. This second film from Seth MacFarlane, acclaimed creator of Family Guy, fell flat on its face critically and underwhelmed at the box office (although it did quite miraculously squeak by a small profit).

The main problem with this film, is it isn’t funny. It’s painfully unfunny, and it’s truly a far cry from Ted, MacFarlanes previous film about a friendship between Mark Wahlberg and his teddy bear, Ted. That movie is hilarious, this one not so much. Rotten Tomatoes users were generous enough to give this film a 33%, a failing grade by anyones standards.

4. Due Date

Director: Todd Phillips

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Zack Galifianackis

Another disappointment from another director who usually brings big laughs to the table. Due Date tells (or tries to tell) the story of Robert Downey Jr, who must deal with Zack Galifianackis and other ridiculous things to get to his wife before she has their baby. Classic formula for comedy right?

No, actually; This film is an example of a simple and funny concept that is destroyed by the characters in the film. They are unlikable, unrelatable, and at times…pretty bad people.

Definitely not the kind of people we want to go on a road trip with. But, director Todd Phillips (known for comedy gems like Old School, and the Hangover) makes us go with them anyway. But hey, at least they got to flip a car over a bridge in Las Cruces. That was pretty cool…

3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 

Director: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Harrison Ford, Shia LeBeauf

I know I’m going to catch some flak for this, but I have to say what I believe and that’s Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull is not only the worst in the series but arguably the worst Spielberg film of all time!

I mean let’s start with the first and most obvious problem, ALIENS. Not that the Indiana universe didn’t always have its less than believable elements, but this seems to really stray away from the premise of Indie as an archeologist. And then of course there’s the refrigerator that can save you from an atom bomb, the evil monkeys that are as fast as a car, and Shia Lebeauf to add to the ridiculousness and absurdity of this film.

Spielberg, what were you thinking…

2. Year One

Director: Harold Ramis

Starring: Jack Black, Michael Cera

I have to say, this film out of all on the list, was the worst, by far. And I had high hopes for this one. For starters, comic genius Harold Ramis(Rest in Peace) directed. This is the guy who made Caddy Shack, The Vacation movies and Groundhog day. He’s a comedic heavy weight.

The kind you only get once every 10 or 20 years. But hey everyone strikes out once in a while.

And strike out he did. Year One is about Jack Black and Michael Cera on some strange mission during biblical times. It’s basically a comedic version of the Old Testament. Funny premise, terrible execution. This film plays to the lowest common denominator. The humor is beyond childish and the camera work is stale.

It was an ambitious undertaking, so I’ll give credit for that, but wow…what a horrible movie.

1. Transformers 

Director: Michael Bay

Starring: Shia Lebeauf, Megan Fox

Listen, I know this film was a big hit. I know it smashed box office records and I know everyone loves to see a good robot fight. But, I have to say, from the bottom of my heart, this movie sucks. Director Michael Bay has become synonymous with bad action films, where characters basically act as a device to move the audience from one explosion to another.

Transformers is no different. There’s no coherent story (at least none worth telling), no substance and really no reason to ever view outside of a movie theatre. Sure it’s fun watching all this crazy action and listen to the loud noises, see Megan Fox on a 50 foot screen, but when it comes down to it, Transformers has ZERO staying power and I know will be forgotten by history, just like its star, Shia LeBeauf.