3:10 to Yuma was an excellent modern western film. With Russell Crowe and Christian Bale at the helm, the film never had a dull moment. Both actors put on superb performances and played their roles with conviction.
As for the rest of the movie, the action was well choreographed, the gun battles were intense, and the dialogue was interesting. What kept me from giving this film a five star rating however, was definitely the realism or lack thereof. I’m a huge fan of cinema and I always try to stay objective and just enjoy the MOVIE, but some of the scenes made me want to cringe and scream “impossible!”.
This wasn’t Rambo, or some other action hero film so I expected more bullets to connect with their targets. Watching characters run across the screen with hundreds of screaming bullets passing right by them without any injury made me want to choke the director. Particularly the scenes toward the ending of the movie. Ah, and as for the ending…. I personally didn’t care for it and I wasn’t surprised at all to find that others felt the same way I did.
Although this movie did have its flaws, its still definitely worth your time. Overall, I really enjoyed the movie and was quite entertained. Despite the lack of realism throughout the film, the cast and the storyline will keep you engaged until the very end.
Synopsis:
Rancher Dan Evans heads into Bisbee to clear up issues concerning the sake of his land when he witnesses the closing events of a stagecoach robbery lead by famed outlaw Ben Wade. No sooner or later, Wade is captured by the law in Bisbee and Evans finds himself one of the escorts who will take Wade to the 3:10 to Yuma train in Contention for the reward of $200. Evans quest for taking Wade to the station is not only for saving for his land but an inner battle that he can be more than just a naive rancher in the eyes of his impetuous and gunslinging son William Evans. The transport to Contention is hazardous and filled with ambushes from Indians, pursuits by Wade’s vengeful gang and Wade’s own conniving and surreptitious demeanor that makes the ride all more intense.
Great review, but no mention of the original 1957 production of ’3:10 to Yuma’ starring Glen Ford (Ben Wade) and Van Heflin (Dan Evans). If this hadn’t been such a powerfully tense, and charismatic movie, they never would’ve decided to remake it.
You have a really eye-catching site here and it’s not that often I go through a site so systematically because I’m impressed by the quality of the presentation and content. I’m still learning about blogging, and it’s people like you that I try to emulate. I’d better shut up or you won’t be able to get your head thru any doorways;-D
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NO mention of the original because I’ve never seen it. 20 years too early for me. I wouldn’t have the slightest clue as to what to compare.
thanks for the comments on the site. Its very much appreciated. Now how the hell am I going to get my head through the cinema doors later this afternoon. haha.
I loved this movie. Saw it in theatres and own it now. Great cast, terrific acting. Best western since Open Range.
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Meh… had a chance to watch it for free on the flight between Dubai and Toronto.. but I chose to watch ‘Ressurecting the Champ’ instead! I don’t really like westerns. Not sure why??
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@Reggie, you actually skipped this film!! I’m not a huge western movie fan, but this one was good.
@nick- I purchased this one myself! ;)
I’m not a big fan of westerns either, but I bought this movie because it was filmed in New Mexico [where I live]. I really enjoyed it, although I agree that the shoot outs were a little ‘gimme a break already’.
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Ah, I got this recently. Probably going to check it out this weekend, never seen the original either, but I think I’d watch anything with Christian Bale now.
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