Elmore Leonard's old-school western short story 3:10 to Yuma is back on the big screen, and this rendition is destined to become a modern classic.
Usually playing the lead protagonist, Russell Crowe ( Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind ) hangs up his white hat to play the notorious gun-slinging gang leader Ben Wade. With charisma, charm, and a wry sense of humor, this ruthless murdering thief doesn't bat an eye before sending a man to his grave. Despite the help of his gang and second-in-command Charlie Prince, played by Ben Foster ( Alpha Dog ), Wade gets caught in the midst of stealing from the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Opposite Wade in every way is Dan Evans, played by Christian Bale ( Batman Begins, Rescue Dawn ). The former Union Army sharpshooter must pull off a financial windfall to save his ranch from the burden of debt. Having lost the respect of his wife Alice and eldest son Will, played by Gretchen Mol and Logan Lerman ( What Women Want ), Evans seeks redemption when he signs on to help transport Wade to the town of Contention. A prison car on the 3:10 train to Yuma, Arizona, will deliver Wade to the Federal Court and put Evans back on track with his family—but of course, it won't be that easy!
Battling gunslingers and temptation from lucrative propositions to let Wade walk, Evans comes out clean—making for one of the more interesting finales in the western genre of film. Evans's display of character is so moving, he even wins the respect of his adversaries.
The film 3:10 to Yuma definitely brings in the big guns—exceptionally talented actors. Oscar winner Russell Crowe is at his usual best, and Christian Bale continues to prove himself as one of Hollywood's most talented leading men. Adding to the mix is veteran actor Peter Fonda ( Ullee's Gold, Easy Rider ) as the bounty hunter Byron McElroy, and Ben Foster continues to amaze with his raw performances. Look for Bale and Foster to possibly receive Academy nods come Oscar time.
With the last few westerns being Hollywood misses, 3:10 to Yuma revives the genre with a powerful script, musical score, and a cast that will leave audiences inspired and craving more.
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