3:10 to Yuma
3:10 to Yuma is a remake of a 1957 film that starred Glenn Ford and Van Heflin. I haven't seen the original film (yet) but most of the reviews that I read seem to think that the remake is better than the original - which is something very rare.
Director James Mangold has created an old fashioned movie in which the good guys and the bad guys are easy to spot. But wait - outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) is just so charming that you find yourself really liking him. And some of the men who wants to get him - including Grayson Butterfield (Dallas Roberts) are not very likable. Dan Evans (Christian Bale) wants to get him because he will be paid two hundred dollars. And he really needs that money because he is very broke. The film consists of many chase scenes and shoot 'em ups. But it is more than that. One
important theme that it explores is the relationship between a father and his son. And I believe that in part Evans is doing this because he wants to gain the respect of his son William (Logan Lerman).
I won't tell you any more of the plot. You will just have to see for yourself if you want to know what happens. Mangold does a very good job of bringing this Elmore Leonard short story to the
screen. Phedon Papamichael's cinematography is exquisite (they shot the film in New Mexico).
All of the acting is on target. Gretchen Mol does the best she can with the underwritten role of Evans' wife Alice. Peter Fonda is very good in the small role of Byron McElroy, one of the men trying to capture Wade. Alan Tudyk is also fine as Doc Potter, the local veterinarian who also wants to see Wade brought to justice. Ben Foster is wicked as Wade's second in command Charlie Prince. And Roberts also does a good job as Butterfield. Bale once again proves how he is growing as an actor. You really feel for his character. And what can one say about Crowe? He is just one hell of an actor. But the real find here is young Lerman. He acts with such intensity that it is hard to believe he is just a boy. All in all, this is a good film but not a great film in terms of awards worthiness. That means I highly recommend it but it is not a masterpiece.
Yes siree bob - the Western is back. Long live the Western!
Director James Mangold has created an old fashioned movie in which the good guys and the bad guys are easy to spot. But wait - outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) is just so charming that you find yourself really liking him. And some of the men who wants to get him - including Grayson Butterfield (Dallas Roberts) are not very likable. Dan Evans (Christian Bale) wants to get him because he will be paid two hundred dollars. And he really needs that money because he is very broke. The film consists of many chase scenes and shoot 'em ups. But it is more than that. One
important theme that it explores is the relationship between a father and his son. And I believe that in part Evans is doing this because he wants to gain the respect of his son William (Logan Lerman).
I won't tell you any more of the plot. You will just have to see for yourself if you want to know what happens. Mangold does a very good job of bringing this Elmore Leonard short story to the
screen. Phedon Papamichael's cinematography is exquisite (they shot the film in New Mexico).
All of the acting is on target. Gretchen Mol does the best she can with the underwritten role of Evans' wife Alice. Peter Fonda is very good in the small role of Byron McElroy, one of the men trying to capture Wade. Alan Tudyk is also fine as Doc Potter, the local veterinarian who also wants to see Wade brought to justice. Ben Foster is wicked as Wade's second in command Charlie Prince. And Roberts also does a good job as Butterfield. Bale once again proves how he is growing as an actor. You really feel for his character. And what can one say about Crowe? He is just one hell of an actor. But the real find here is young Lerman. He acts with such intensity that it is hard to believe he is just a boy. All in all, this is a good film but not a great film in terms of awards worthiness. That means I highly recommend it but it is not a masterpiece.
Yes siree bob - the Western is back. Long live the Western!
posted by Film Fanatic | 7:27 PM
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