A beautiful western

Rating: 9/10 (3 February 2019)

This review contains spoilers.
3:10 to Yuma is a 2007 western film directed by James Mangold. The movie is produced by Cathy Konrad. The movie stars Russell Crowe and Christian Bale in a story that is about the capture and delivery of a criminal to Yuma prison. Dan Evans, played by Christian Bale, is a one-legged rancher that aids in the capture of outlaw Ben Wade, played by Russell Crowe.
3:10 to Yuma is a well-written movie. This movie is based on a short-story 'Three-Ten to Yuma' by Elmore Leonard. The movie features a great villain in Ben Wade played incredibly well by Russell Crowe. The villain feels believably distinct in the movie and offers a fresh perspective whenever Ben Wade is on the screen. Ben Wade has his own code that becomes more apparent as the movie goes on. This code made me and other audience members respect him. The presence that Russell Crowe provides makes the movie much more exciting and enthralling to watch.
The performance by Christian Bale is excellent. His character of Dan Evans had a nice progression through the movie and it showed in the acting and story. Dan Evans has a backstory of being a Civil War veteran that is revealed throughout the movie. Even in the more emotional parts of this movie Christian Bale's acting holds up and provides nice moments for the audience. Dan Evans' relation with his son is interesting to watch. The final revelation that Dan Evans had done the mission to give his sons, a good memory or makes the earlier portions of the movie more rewatchable.
Both Dan Evans and Ben Wade's onscreen chemistry is great. The two actors, and characters have great lines and delivery that make the movie much more enjoyable. Each of the moments with the two characters serves to make the audience understand more about the characters in a meaningful way.
James Mangold's direction should be praised. He delivers an incredibly beautifully shot movie. The movie features many classic western settings that are delivered in an exciting way. There are many scenes that are gorgeous to look at. Even the distinction the towns and countrysides are apparent in the direction.
The only fault the movie may have is its slow pacing. This movie feels out of its era as the movie is a slow burn to the climax. I do not consider this a weakness of the movie as it is also a reason why I like the movie. The beauty of the movie is seeing the western setting and themes realized on the theater screen. There are not many gun fights in this movie which can let down some audiences expecting an action movie.
I highly recommend '3:10 to Yuma'. This movie is everything I look for in a solid western.
Grade: A