Movie Review: 3:10 to Yuma

A Western. Since the beginning of the movie-making industry, Western-themed movies have captured the attention of audiences across the nation. From portrayals of deadly outlaws to wild bar scenes and to sheriffs who seek justice in their towns, Western movies have always provided a viewer with gun-slinging excitement and action. In a remake of the 1957 version, James Mangold continues to add to the excitement of the Western tradition with his direction of 3:10 to Yuma.

Academy Award Winner Russell Crowe and Christian Bale team up as an outlaw and a farmer seeking justice, respectively.

Crowe redefines the role of the outlaw, as he adds a cocky, sophisticated and intricately witty side to the normal stereotype of the mean, spit-hawking, gun-slinging outlaws. He takes the role of Ben Wade, who leads a notorious band of carriage plunderers and killers in Arizona during the 1860s.

In a land of lawlessness and heartless men, Bale plays the character of Dan Evans, who is desperate for money to support his wife and two children during a drought.

It is obvious from the beginning that Evans has a will of determination and grit. Hindered by a Civil War incident, he is desperate to seek the approval of his son. He volunteers to transport Wade across the desert in order to put him on the 3:10 train to Yuma bound for jail and the gallows.

All the while, Wade’s followers are in pursuit of Evans and the group transporting him. Throughout the course of the movie, the clever dialogue between Evans and Wade develops the fusion of good and evil, while their exchanges build on the relationship between a man of justice and a man of wickedness.

Bursts of action, horse chases and gunfights fill the movie, yet there is a quiet element to this Western. Dialogue is important, as the construction of the characters leads to a defining decision of will, courage and sacrifice.

If you seek nonstop action, 3:10 to Yuma may not be the movie for you. However, if you are searching for an intricately woven script that develops characters through dialogue and interaction, don’t miss the train to Yuma.