It’s very rare when a movie can sustain both amazing plot structure and stellar acting from the beginning to the end.
In 3:10 to Yuma, this rare breed of film easily accomplishes these tasks.
Christian Bale (Batman Begins) plays Dan Evans, a struggling rancher trying his best to support his family.
When an opportunity arises to make enough money to save his ranch, Evan accepts.
The job involves helping to transport the notorious criminal Ben Wade to the closest train station, so he can be sent to a prison in Yuma.
This proves to be no easy task with Wade’s henchmen trying to free their boss.
Wade, played skillfully by Russell Crowe (A Beautiful Mind), is the leader of a ring of criminals. He is an intelligent smooth-talker who also commits cold-blooded
murders.
The dynamic relationship between the two male leads is amazing because of their contrasting characters.
Evans is driven by the need to survive through redemption, and Wade is driven by his desire to live a free life without redemption.
Throughout the film, the characters develop to such a large extent, that by the end, their initial motivations seem to have changed.
This movie is based on a short story by Elmore Leonard and the original 1950 film version, which is titled the same.
Director James Mangold (Girl Interrupted) brings out the very best of this cast, from the stars to the supporting cast, hats off to him.
Supporting actor Ben Foster (X-Men: the Last Stand), who plays Crowe’s second-in-command Charlie Prince, is amazing in his vigilante role.
He gives a solid portrayal of the typical villain in any western movie.
It would be no surprise if Russell Crowe was nominated for the up-coming Oscar Awards.
With a compelling story, deep characters and a high body count, 3:10 to Yuma is a true, classical western film that portrays its genre well.
