Formidable remake full of action , violence and fabulous performances

Rating: 7/10 (12 September 2009)

This first-rate adult Western draws its fascinating drama and power from the interaction of fine drawn characters as well as the gun-blazing action. It concerns about a needy farmer (Christian Bale in the role of Van Heflin )with wife (Gretchen Mol in the Felicia Far's character ) and two sons. He's witness as a dangerous gang (Ben Foster, among others) led by notorious gunfighter named Ben Wade ( Russell Crowe in the character of Glenn Ford) attacks a stagecoach and killing the passengers. Later Ben separates from his band and he goes to a Saloon where meet with gorgeous Emma (Vinessa Shaw). But the sheriff immediately surrounds the parlour and captures Ben. Railroad official(Dallas Roberts) asks for paid volunteers to join a posse to transport Ben Wade towards Yuma and Dan accepts. Other volunteers who unite posse are Doc Potter( Alan Tudyk), Tucker (Kevin Durand) and a veteran(Peter Fonda). After that and numerous dangers Dan Evans must hole up in a Motel while waiting for the train to take them to Yuma prison and overcome the murderer's several ploys to gain his freedom.
Good modern Western with exciting battle of wits between an obstinate farmer and an astute killer who begins to psych him out. Stylish, fast paced , solid, meticulous and violent look with several shootouts. This well acted movie is gripping every step of the way and recalls the classic directed by Delmer Daves though contains various changes, as excessive violence and a little bit overlong because the runtime first version is only 92 minutes. Based on a short story by Elmore Leonard. He's a veteran novelist and screenwriter , specialist on noir plot and Western and working from ¨Tall T¨, ¨Hombre¨, continuing with ¨Rosemary murders¨, ¨Get shorty¨, ¨Jackie Brown¨ until nowadays. Colorful and evocative cinematography by Papamichael. Memorable musical score fitting rightly to action Western by Marco Beltrani. The motion picture is stunningly directed by James Mangold (Walk the line, Identity, Cop land) who is preparing another Western-remake titled ¨Wichita¨in pre-production.