3:10 To Yuma

Year of Release: 2007
Genre: Western
Rating: R for violence and some language.
Director: James Mangold
Starring: Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Ben Foster, Peter Fonda, Gretchen Mol, Logan Lerman, Vinessa Shaw

Date Of Review: February 2008

About 3 or 4 years ago I watched the 1957 version of “3:10 To Yuma” with Glenn Ford and Van Heflin. After viewing the film I felt that if the western was ever going to make a comeback this would be the film to remake. It had all the elements of the classic western, a captivating storyline, interesting characterizations, gripping confrontations and superb acting. To my absolute astonishment I found out 12 months or so later that the film was being remade with Russell Crowe and Tom Cruise in it. As we now know, Cruise dropped out and was replaced by Christian Bale. I knew Crowe was perfect for the Ford role, so I had hopes that Bale could pull off the Heflin one. The good news is Bale does. Crowe and Bale make a great Ford and Heflin.

“3:10 To Yuma” tells the classic tale of rancher, Dan Evans (Christian Bale), who becomes part of a posse of men that set out to take notorious outlaw, Ben Wade (Russell Crowe), to the town of Contention where Wade will meet the 3:10 train that will transport him to a court hearing in Yuma. At the heart of the story is a gem of a character study; two men matching wits in a psychological battle as the clock ticks away to a deadline. As tensions mount and tempers flare, we are treated to one engaging dialogue sequence after the next; we become engulfed in the psyches of these fascinating characters and it all makes for compelling viewing.     

The hard thing about black and white films is getting a younger audience to watch them. The original “3:10 To Yuma” was near perfect for a western, plus it had a great Frankie Lane title track to boot. The only thing the earlier film lacked was action and this new film more than makes up for it. At the beginning of this remake we are treated to with an elaborate stagecoach robbery, in the middle there is an action-packed Chinese railway sequence and throughout there is a fair share of gunplay, not to mention a crackerjack ending that is a variation on the original and maybe even more powerful. The finale of the film is certainly grander than the original and with the excessive gunfire more suited for today’s younger audiences. It‘s exhilaratingly choreographed and breathlessly filmed, although I found it a little unbelievable, due to the amount of gunfire that takes place, that a bullet somehow never hits its target (Bale). Ultimately, when an ending is this entertaining, I suppose, you can suspend disbelief for 10 minutes or so and just enjoy the ride.  Well that’s exactly what I did.  

“3:10 To Yuma” is directed with a sure-hand by James Mangold of “Walk The Line” fame. While watching the film I couldn’t help but think that it would have been great if Mangold had of brought back his “Walk The Line” star Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix and Crowe were a great head to head match in “Gladiator” and this film would have made for an interesting pairing once again. Cash and Maximus, now that would have been something! Nevertheless, Batman and Maximus proved to be a neat fit anyway. It’s also nice to see veteran Peter Fonda turn up in support and of course the spice in the mixture is youngster Ben Foster as Charlie Prince, the psychotic gunslinger who is even more unnerving than Crowe’s Ben Wade. Foster’s portrayal is chilling to say the least and his character goes to all extremes and then some to free Crowe from his dilemma. Anyway, with talented leads, fine supports and an engrossing tension-filled story, what more can you say? It all makes for a delicious soufflé. The western is certainly back in style and “3:10 To Yuma” more than delivers the goods.

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The Original "3:10 To Yuma" Now on DVD:

3:10 To Yuma (Special Edition) [DVD]
Classic psychological Western centers on a rancher (Van Heflin) who agrees to watch a slick, captured outlaw (Glenn Ford) until a train arrives at a station. The rancher's reward is enough money to save his drought-stricken land, but the crook uses his wits to try to psych-out his captor. Felicia Farr co-stars. 92 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, French; Subtitles: English, French.

Pick Of The Flicks - Recommended Links:
3:10 To Yuma at Hollywood Teen Movies
Russell Crowe at Hollywood Cult Movies
Christian Bale at Internet Actors Database

A Fistful Of Westerns at Hollywood Teen Movies
TV Cowboys at Hollywood Cult Movies
Tony's Cult Movies, Blockbusters & Classics

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