Solid Remake With the Bale-Crowe Combo

Rating: 7/10 (24 March 2008)

A notorious bandit (Russell Crowe) is witnessed in the act by a local rancher (Christian Bale). After meeting up later in town, an agreement is made between the police, the rancher and the bandit for the rancher to escort the bandit to the prison train to Yuma. Along the way, they begin to learn and respect each other's life views.
What sold this film was clearly the cast -- Crowe and Bale. Westerns do not easily sell themselves anymore, and this one probably wouldn't have made a dent in the box office without the stars. Its value as a remake was most likely minimal. And what interests me about this is how Crowe takes the lead as an actor, leaving Bale to catch up. Bale is often a powerful actor (perhaps among the best in the business, along with Edward Norton) but this is probably his weakest role to date. Crowe dominates, being both an intimidating villain but also somehow lovable.
Luke Wilson makes a brief appearance. While he really isn't the best casting choice (his presence always carries a subtle "comedy" vibe), he does alright. The best support is Ben Foster with the memorable role as right-hand man Charlie Prince. Foster has an unusual voice that made him seem silly in "30 Days of Night", but in this film it works for him to a point. If Foster becomes a bigger actor, it's this film he has to thank for it.
The drawback to "3:10" is that there is precious little action for a Western, at least until near the end. So those looking for action are going to receive drama and that may be a disappointment. Personally, I found much of it to drag (though the last third really does improve the action as well as the story overall). If you like westerns, check it out. Otherwise, you may want to look elsewhere. Bale fans are going to be let down.