Review: 3:10 to Yuma (2007)

[Prestonagé]

  The western genre has been in a steady decline in recent years. It
hasn't spawned near as many good films as it used to. But 3:10 to Yuma
should be a revival of the genre and please the many Cowboy fans
disappointed with other current westerns.
  The Wild West's most notorious outlaw, Ben Wade, is finally captured
and taken by the local Calgary and Dan Evan's, an impoverished rancher
and civil war veteran, to Contention and board the 3:10 to Yuma.
  Russell Crowe and Christian Bale's trek across the desert is a very
commendable mix of western and thriller, which is a rare find. Both
men's performances are fervid and filled with life. They are near
Oscar-worthy and are backed by an array of well cast, well portraying
actors led by Ben Foster who boasts a menacing and authentic
execution. The only one I had a problem with was Logan Lerman as
William Evan, the son. He was not western material and looks, sounds,
and acts like a freakin' cream puffed pussy. James Mangold guides
these men through a remake better than the original with swift
direction. Admitted, the first hour and a half gets a little tiring
and moves slowly, but that all builds to a very emotional and awe-
inspiring finale.
  3:10 to Yuma is a smart movie that is full of witless and unnecessary
dialogue that does move the plot forward, but undoubtedly could have
been written better. Characters are well developed and the writing
lets you learn more at an ideal speed, as they advance towards their
destination.
  Gunslinging hasn't been this good in a long time. 3:10 to Yuma brings
out the shotguns and freshly renews the showdowns. The action is
easily better than any other of its genre in the past few years and is
a nice change in strategy to the modernly placed action films.
  It's not perfect, but 3:10 to Yuma will give you a well spent 2 hours
and leave you satisfied as the credits begin to role.