Review of 3:10 to Yuma (2007) by Zane G — 07 Apr 2013

3:10 To Yuma is now and will always be one of the best western movies made in ages.

Rancher Dan Evans heads into Bisbee to clear up issues concerning the sale of his land when he witnesses the closing events of a stagecoach robbery led by famed outlaw Ben Wade. Shortly thereafter, 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's effort to take Wade to the station is in part an effort to save his land but also part of an inner battle to determine whether he can be more than just a naive rancher in the eyes of his impetuous and gun-slinging son William Evans. The transport to Contention is hazardous and filled with ambushes by Indians, pursuits by Wade's vengeful gang and Wade's own conniving and surreptitious demeanor that makes the ride all the more intense.

I can't believe it took this long for my favorite western movie to be made. Of course there are the classic ones with John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. No one can argue that those will remain classics for a lifetime. Western movies now just usually don't seem to work, but with this film it really breaks down the behaviors of an old western movie. It's well executed, well directed, well written and has tremendous acting. The shootouts are groundbreaking, and the sound effects are truly spectacular.

Two of the worlds greatest actors are in this which makes the movie whole. Who knew Christian Bale could be fantastic and especially in a western movie? Russell Crowe plays such a dark role that I couldn't look away from him in any scene you would see him in. I have to congratulate Ben Foster because he had to be the best thing out of the movie. He's one of the few villains in any movie that knows how to play such a terrifying character. Director James Mangold has never disappointed me and this is without a doubt his best and most brilliant work ever.

Hands down this is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's very fast paced, it has a great script, awesome tone and amazing set of characters. Would I recommend this movie for anybody? Absolutely.