3:10 to Yuma
Starring: Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Logan Lerman, Ben Foster, Peter Fonda, Alan Tudyk, Gretchen Mol
Directed by: James Mangold
Rating: R
Genre: Western, Drama
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A rancher (Christian Bale) agrees to transport a deadly outlaw (Russell Crowe) to jail, via the 3:10 train to Yuma. However, the outlaw's gang is hot on their trail, determined to free their captive leader.

Review:
Tim: This is a very well made Western. It features two top-notch performances, and balances out gunfights with some legitimate drama. It features some very intense scenes. However, the film's finale leaves something to be desired. It requires a huge leap of faith on the part of the audience. I simply could not make it.

Russell Crowe is fantastic as the outlaw Ben Wade. He is so manipulative, so charismatic, and so fun to watch. He systematically breaks down his captives, getting through to them in surprising ways. This is the best part of the movie. Christian Bale is good as a regular rancher determined to bring Wade to justice. He isn't spectacular, but he is good enough to get the job done. The most enjoyable parts of the movie are the interactions between Bale and Crowe. I have to mention the maniacal performance of Ben Foster. He is so cold and so ruthless- he gives stands out, even among the performances of Bale and Crowe.

My biggest problem with the movie is the film's conclusion. It just does not make logical sense. It requires that we really, really suspend our disbelief and believe that radical transformations can occur nearly instantaniously. I see how the film tries to set this up, but it is so likely that it is just nearly impossible to believe.

3:10 to Yuma is a solidly made Western in a day and age when good Westerns are hard to come by. It is enjoyable, and despite its flaws, exceeds expectations.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Unforgiven, Tombstone, The Quick and the Dead, The New World