3:10 TO YUMA (2007)
Lionsgate Films

A Quick 'n Lazy Review™
By Désirée I. Guzzetta

Genre: Western
Director: James Mangold
Main Cast: Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Peter Fonda, Ben Foster

Synopsis: Crowe plays Ben Wade, a career criminal and killer, in this remake of the classic Western. Wade has been captured and needs to be put on the titular train so he can be incarcerated. Bale plays Daniel Evans, a decent rancher driven by a dark secret to help ensure Wade gets on that train. Lots of shooting and tension ensues.

Review: You’ve probably heard by now that 3:10 To Yuma is the best Western since Unforgiven, and, well, it’s true. Powered by stellar performances from Crowe and Bale as two sides of the same coin—like Daniel, Wade has a code of honor, even if it’s a bit warped—Yuma explores the interconnectedness of good and evil while delivering genre pleasures such as shoot-outs and chases on horseback. The story’s enhanced with rich cinematography and great supporting turns from Foster as Wade’s even-more psychotic second-in-command and Fonda as a grizzled bounty hunter working for the Pinkertons in attempting to bring Wade to justice. Crowe infuses Wade with charisma to spare, but never loses sight of his character’s murderous nature. Bale meanwhile continues to show his wide range (and stamina—this guy takes on some seriously punishing roles), and both actors can convey volumes just with their eyes. At turns thrilling, thought-provoking, and melancholy, 3:10 To Yuma deserves to take its place among the top Westerns of all time.

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