Finally a real Western

Rating: Null/10 (11 October 2007)

Gun slinging, whiskey drinking, prostitutes, God and the Devil, Armageddon, fathers and sons, abused minorities, a code of honor, Batman, a Gladiator, and Luke Wilson, 3;10 to Yuma has got it all. What more could a West dreaming city-boy ask for? This remake of an old classic has brought new life into a genre that's been "playing possum" since Unforgiven in 1992. James Mangold, director of Walk the Line, demonstrates an understanding of the depths and capabilities of a cowboy tale, and exploits the story for all it's worth. Through genius cinematography he infuses a supernatural symbolism into the piece, while maintaining the basic human pull of a heroic tragedy and a family drama. Christian Bale has lost enough of his pretty boy appeal to be believable as a beaten down rancher, and Russell Crow delivers a complex villain to rival John Wayne's "Ethan Edwards." A must see that's bound to leave you walking bow-legged and tipping your hat.