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Rating:  - 3:10 to Yuma - FANTASTIC
This was a great film. Acting by both Bale and Crowe are exceptional. It didn't do well in theaters because I don't think it was given a chance. If you want a great story with character and life, this is it.
Rating: - 3:10 To Yuma
Very Very Good! A worthwhile purchase! A good western to add to your library of DVD's!
Rating: - What's Your Price?
With his family on the brink of losing everything, Dan Evans (Christian Bale) agrees to help the Southern Pacific Railroad bring a wicked villain, Ben Wade (Russell Crowe), to justice. Justice happens to be at the train station in Contention, where Wade is expected to hitch a ride on the 3:10 to Yuma and imprisonment. The only things stopping Evans and his allies from making it to Contention is Wade himself and his vicious gang, headed up by the overprotective and violent Charlie Prince (Ben Foster). This sounds like a fairly standard plot for a Western, but there are many, many more layers to this tale.
**Potential Spoilers**
First of all, the primary characters of Wade and Evans undergo changes as they trek to Contention. Evans is out to save his family and home as well as prove to his eldest son that he really is a good father. Wade constantly tempts Evans with promises of money and being allowed to live if he'd only set him free. It brings to mind the temptation of Jesus by Satan in the Bible. I know that may be somewhat of a stretch, but it did remind me of that. Wade begins the journey as a heartless, cruel and calculating criminal who develops something of a friendship with Evans. You'll have to watch the film if you want to decide if the changes are good.
Ben Foster's character, Charlie Prince, represents both the reality and the mythos that is the outlaw of the American West. He's a young, desperate man with no real direction other than to steal and murder in order to fill the emptiness he was left with after the Civil War. Where the character takes on more of a mythological presence is the fact that he's a dead shot until he's shooting at the hero and he's a stereotypical right-hand man to the boss.
Evans' son, William (Logan Lerman), is another character who is equal parts reality and myth. He quickly becomes a man on the journey due to his circumstances. He also learns that his father is a much greater man than he appears to be. In the beginning, however, he's a stereotypical headstrong son who seemingly hates his dad.
**End Spoilers**
The cast of this story, which includes Peter Fonda, Luke Wilson, Gretchen Moll, and Dallas Roberts, does a great job. The music brings back fond memories of larger-than-life Westerns. Director James Mangold manages to keep all of the action and plot development on an even keel. At no point was I bored with the film nor did I find it too unbelievable when compared to other films of the genre. Yes, outrageous things happen, but fans of the Western will know that such things have to occur in order to elevate the heroes to another level.
I must also highlight the wonderful documentaries included on this disc. Not only do they give the viewer an insight on the making of the film, you also learn a bit about that amazing (and violent) time in American history that has spawned so many films such as this one. In true Wild West fashion, the O.K. Corral manages to get mentioned in one of the documentaries. If one event embodies the true heart of outlaws and gunmen, that's the one.
I highly recommend this film to fans of Westerns. I recommend it also to people who enjoy stories of good versus evil, temptation, and action films. Although I rented this film, I plan to make it a permanent part of my collection very soon.
Rating: - Major plot holes and unrealistic action don't detract from a well acted production
This western turns into Midnight Run towards the end. A one legged rancher is suddenly leaping rooftops like Spiderman and a notorious killer turns into a sympathetic buddy. It's absurd and insults the audience at times. In one scene the one legged rancher can barely hobble around, 1 hour later he is running the 40 yard dash in 4.5 seconds and jumping higher than Lebron James.
It won't matter for most viewers. Despite the nonsensical portrayal of the action, Crowe and Bale carry the film. Just as Crowe can carry most mediocre action films, he works hard to bring his character depth even tho the script forces it on us.
Bale also provides a realistic sense of a man trapped between a rock and a hard place. While its painful to watch the 1 legged rancher turn into a cybernetic super hero in the final chase scene, he manages to pull it off.
While I felt insulted by the film maker's lack of concern for realism on any level, there is a good reason Crowe and Bale are on the cover of the DVD. Excellent actors carrying mediocre scripts and production, as usual in hollywood these days.
Rating:  - best western movie
stunning graphics and sound
excellent storyline
a masterpiece
must have movie, also for people that normaly not into westerns
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