3:10 to Yuma

3:10 to Yuma

This remake is full of action and good writing. What more do you want out of an action movie?

In order to save his ranch and house, Christian Bale’s character embarks on a mission to take outlaw Russell Crowe’s character (Ben Wade) to a prison train for cash. He has to wait until 3:10 for that train to arrive, but Wade’s gang has other plans.

This movie came out of nowhere, and it received a lot of critical praise. There’s a reason why; this movie kicks ass. Based on a short story and 1957 film, Yuma is both subtle and loud at the same time. The writing is good, but the acting from all the stars is the why this movie is so enjoyable.

I’ve attacked Crowe for many of his attitude antics over the years, but there is no denying that he can act. Crowe plays Wade so intensely that he almost steals every scene from Christian Bale. You will see both sides of Wade in the movie. He is a cold-blooded killer, but there are a few things honorable about him too. Just watch. (He’ll never be mistaken for a good guy.)

Bale, on the other hand, has to play his role in a more understated technique. He’s not the animal killer like Crowe. He’s a family man trying to save his home and he’ll do whatever it takes to do it. Bale proves that he is excellent at his craft. The man knows he can never outshine Crowe, but plays his part well anyway.

The shootouts are intense and violent. Luckily, the direct keeps the camera still enough so that we can keep up with the action on screen.

I enjoyed Yuma a great, and it is all because Russell Crowe plays such a damn compelling character. This is certainly Crowe nearly at his best with some assistance from Bale.

Like any other Western, if you don’t the genre, don’t watch this film.

Grade: A-

Are you not entertained?
Maximus goes to jail.