"Just remember, it's your old man that hauled Ben Wade to that stationwhen nobody else would."

Rating: 8/10 (22 October 2007)

A good western is hard to come by these days. In the 50's & 60's, guys like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood rose to stardom playing gunslingers in the old west. Over time though, the genre fell victim to endless clichés and schlock. So when a new western is released and manages to impress, I consider that quite an accomplishment. In 2005 I was pleasantly surprised by "The Proposition", and this year  I'm happy to say that "3:10 To Yuma" is a success.
James Mangold's remake of the 1957 film is a crackerjack character piece set amidst deadly circumstances. Christian Bale plays Dan Evans, a down-on-his-luck rancher in danger of losing his land to a draught. As chance has it, he finds himself involved in the capture of famed outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe). The authorities look to Evans to help take Wade to Contention where he will be placed on the 3:10 train to Yuma prison. Evans agrees, as he not only feels morally obligated, but placement of Wade on the train carries a $200 bonus  enough to buy back his farm. Unfortunately for our heroes, Wade's gang is hot on their trail, and plan on getting their leader back by any means necessary.
Director James Mangold, hot off his hit "Walk the Line", demonstrates a similar touch that he showed in the Cash biopic. While the film is competently shot and paced, it's his ability to work with actors that deserves recognition. "Walk The Line" featured Oscar nominated performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, two talented youngsters. With "Yuma", we have the privilege of watching two of today's finest actors go toe to toe. Christian Bale is well on his way to becoming the best actor of his generation. Whether playing Batman, Patrick Batemen, or Bob Dylan  Bale has demonstrated a range and depth of performance that is unparalleled in movies today. Russell Crowe is equally multi-talented, going from roles like "Gladiator", to "The Insider", to "L.A. Confidential" with ease. He also has an on screen intensity that is unmatched in Hollywood.
In "Yuma" both actors are in fine form, and Mangold clearly is having fun watching sparks fly between them. The movie builds as a test of wills between the men. On one side is Evans, a noble man determined to provide for his family through an honest living. Then there's Wade, a cold blooded thief who quotes scripture just as fast as he kills. Their journey together finds them struggling to understand the other man, while trying to stay one step ahead of the other. Amidst the tension is a constant threat of violence. Their trail is filled with the likes of deadly Apache and greedy posses. Not to mention Wade's gang, determined to make it to the train before his captors and set him free. The film features numerous impressive shoot-outs and action sequences, including a nail biting gunfight during the last act. On the downside, it ends a bit too abruptly and asks the viewer to suspend some believe. All that is easily forgivable though. "3:10 To Yuma" is a quality western made better thanks to the first rate performances by the brilliant leads.
3.5/4