Movie Review by Zoe Fox
Starring: Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Ben Forster, Gretchen Mol, Peter Fonda
Director: James Mangold
The arrival of James Mangold’s new western 3:10 TO YUMA should be eagerly awaited. A remake of the 1957 classic, James Mangold’s take on the Elmore Leonard novel is a great piece of entertainment.
It’s been more than a few years since we’ve had a good western hit our screens so 3:10 TO YUMA is long overdue, and with stars like Russell Crowe and Christian Bale heading up the rather impressive cast you know it’s likely to have some muscle, and in this they certainly deliver.
When notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Crowe) is captured, rancher Dan Evans (Bale) steps up to assist bounty hunter Byron McElroy (Peter Fonda) and posse, which includes Evans’ son, in getting Wade on the 3:10 to Yuma train so that he stand trial. However with Wade’s gang, led by Charlie Prince (Ben Foster), hot on their heels this may prove to be no mean feat.
As the journey develops so does the relationship between Wade and Evans, and through the murders and mind games the two begin to establish a mutual respect for one another. The performance from these two is really the jewel in the crown with subtle but engrossing interaction. The rest of the cast give good, well rounded support. Most notable is Ben Foster, who is most impressive as Wade’s somewhat unstable, right hand man Charlie Prince.
If you like westerns you will love this. With a well crafted script, strong direction and excellent performances from all the cast, this is a tense, compelling and thoroughly enjoyable film.
