Not always logical or probable, but the acting makes it a must see.

Rating: 8/10 (3 March 2016)

This modernized second adaptation of the Elmore Leonard short story stars the reliable pair of Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. Bale plays Dan Evans, a Civil War veteran turned rancher who's going through some difficult times. He's deeply in debt, so he seizes upon a chance to make some money. The job is to watch over a notorious outlaw, Ben Wade (Crowe), and eventually help to escort him through the desert, so he can make it to a train depot and thus be transported to prison. The outlaw, however, has other ideas in mind, and does his best to mess with the ranchers' head, while his scruffy gang relentlessly pursues the posse.
The 2007 version of "3:10 to Yuma" may not always make sense (some reviews have pointed out admitted holes in the plot), but technically it's wonderfully made, and in some ways it has the feel of a classic Western. The widescreen photography is beautiful, and the location shooting (mostly in New Mexico) likewise impresses. Director James Mangold does a fine job telling an entertaining and riveting story, succeeding at maintaining viewer interest for the better part of two hours.
The primary asset is a well chosen and exemplary cast. A charismatic Crowe and sincere Bale offer low key, nicely nuanced performances; Wade may be a bad man, but you can't help but like him to some degree. Evans, who's stuck with a sullen teenage son (Logan Lerman) who doesn't respect him, feels the need to prove himself worthy. The women, Gretchen Mol and Vinessa Shaw, end up with very little to do, unfortunately, but actors such as Peter Fonda, Dallas Roberts, Kevin Durand, and Alan Tudyk are a pleasure to watch. But it's Ben Foster who tends to steal the show in his role & performance as Charlie Prince, the most ruthless member of Wades' gang.
Best recommended to fans of the actors involved.
Eight out of 10.