3:10 To Yuma (2007)

A modern Western remake that is authentic, modest, and gritty.

Having not seen the original of this film, I had no expectations going into this. That's not true, I had low expectations, given that two of my least rated Hollywood stars (Russel Crowe and Christian Bale), were playing the two leads. However, this attitude served me well, and I was pleasantly surprised by director James Mangold's superb touch on this excellent story.

After cow rancher Dan Evans (Bale) hits rock bottom, with debt collectors setting fire to his barn and his family failing to believe he can return them to greener pastures, he stumbles upon an opportunity to regain some dignity, and some cash. Notorious bandit Ben Wade (Crowe) falls into a set up, and is taken prisoner by local law enforcement. Evans agrees to assist the authorities in getting Wade onto a train, the 3:10 to Yuma, where he will be put in prison. This, inevitably, requires a journey across the wild west, and the group are hounded by Wade's gang, a bloodthirsty pack of animals gunning for their hero's captors. During the adventure, Wade and Evans develop a tense relationship of sharp comments, and violent encounters. As their presents become entwined, their pasts are laid bare, with a few surprises.

An excellent example of how a modern western should look, it has amazing scenery, great costumers, and characters that are vivid and interesting. Mangold has been clever in making Crowe the baddie, as this adds an excellent dimension to the action, and Bale serves well as the brooding rancher in need of a win. The action is intense, moving from town to town, as the outlaws and the authorities attempt to outmanoeuvre each other.

A great film for those who love westerns and modern cinematography.