Promising Start & Strong Middle Ruined By A Final Misstep

Rating: Null/10 (9 April 2020)

A sturdily crafted, sharply directed & strongly acted western drama that comes jam-packed with plenty of gunslinging action & dynamic interplay between its characters, 3:10 to Yuma exhibits ample depth in plot & characterisation and offers a thoroughly engaging ride for the most part, only to throw it all away in its final moments.
Directed by James Mangold (Logan & Ford v Ferrari), the period setting is recreated in fine detail but what drives this film are its well-rounded leads, each bestowed with an interesting arc while consistent dose of action keeps things alive n kicking as plot progresses. The finale is where Mangold loses his grip and is unable to wrap it up in a satisfying manner.
The issue I have with the final showdown is that it isn't refined enough for us to buy such sudden change of heart. It betrays the character definition established prior to the third act and isn't convincing at all. Nonetheless, both Russel Crowe & Christian Bale bring their A-game to the table and deliver solid inputs in their respective roles, yet it is Ben Foster who steals the show.
Overall, 3:10 to Yuma impresses in several aspects, both individually & collectively, and properly utilises all its ingredients to finish as a worthy example of its genre but the final step brings such an unexpected sudden halt to its momentum that it leaves behind an underwhelming aftertaste in its wake. I doubt many will mind the ending it settles for but after such promising start & middle, I expected a better conclusion.