Slow-moving western

Rating: 5/10 (18 April 2010)

Loose remake of a Glen Ford '50s classic, with Christian Bale in the Ford part (and looking and sounding a lot like Jim Brolin). Bale is a down-on-his-luck farmer who agrees to escort killer Russel Crowe to the nearest train station for transit to prison. Bale and several others escorting Crowe are besieged by Indians and Crowe's gang. They also run afoul of some railroad officials who want Crowe themselves. Along the way, Bale and Crowe exchange their philosophies of life.This is no UNFORGIVEN, but it sure has a lot of bloody killing. It doesn't hold a candle to the original, and messes badly with the ending. It also goes on too long. Bale is interesting to watch, if nothing else. Crowe is just plain boring.