Finally, a decent remake

Rating: 7/10 (6 September 2007)

When the original film, "3:10 To Yuma," (starring Glenn Ford and Van Hefflin) was released in 1957, it actually almost out-High Nooned "High Noon." With its allegories to U.S. patriotism and the rising paranoia over Communism, the Delmer Daves work featured the now-quaint notion of doing the right thing and standing up for what one believes - in the face of overwhelming odds, just like the Fred Zinnemann classic that won Gary Cooper his second (and most well-deserved Academy Award).
Thank goodness these particular virtues were not left out of this new version, directed by James Mangold ("Cop Land," "Girl, Interrupted," Walk The Line"). And while the violence level has been increased tenfold, the basic underlying message is still prominently displayed.
Playing the reluctant hero (as he did in "Batman Begins"), Dan Evans, is Christian Bale, a struggling one-legged farmer and Civil War veteran in the Arizona Territory. When he witnesses a stage robbery pulled off by Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) and his violent gang, he'd prefer to stay out of it, but his nature gets the better of him.
Ultimately, he aids in the capture of Wade, and (for money he desperately needs) agrees to help transport him to a distant town and put him on the train to Yuma Prison. He is joined by his son, William (Logan Lerman, "The Number 23"), Pinkerton guard, Byron McLeroy (Peter Fonda, "Ghost Rider"), railroad official Grayson Butterfield (Dallas Roberts, "Walk The Line")and a young doctor (Alan Tudyk, "Knocked Up," "I, Robot," "Death At a Funeral").
Wade's henchmen, however, led by the psychotic Charlie Prince (Ben Foster, "30 Days of Night," "Alpha Dog"), is hot on their heels. Foster is fantastic in a supporting role dripping with nonchalant evil, like Ralph Feinnes in "Schindler's List."
After encountering renegade Apaches and a revenge-minded lawman (Emilio Estevez, "Bobby"), the guards and prisoner arrive at the depot. Unfortunately, Wade's gang gets there shortly thereafter.
When Prince offers the townspeople $200 to shoot anyone trying to take Wade to the depot, the only one who stands up for justice is the farmer. The concluding shootout is certainly loud and confusing, but is gripping and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Crowe is marvelous in the role, blending an almost Zen-like philosophy of Zarathustrian virtue with a violently demented killer's instinct (he callously shoots one of his own gang for a simple mistake).
Meanwhile, as the tortured family man trapped in a circumstance beyond his control, Bale is wonderfully understated and nuanced here. In fact, if this was not a late summer release, I'd say either of these men could cop some award nominations, but it's too early to predict anything right now.
Kudos must also be given to the camera work of Phedon Paramichael ("Walk The Line," "Sideways"), who brings Monument Valley and other beautiful locations to life.
And while certainly not the greatest western film to appear on the silver screen, it is the best since "Open Range," and represents a woefully under-appreciated genre very, very well.