genre, namely the western. Updating the original, he brings us 3:10 To Yuma, with actors Russel Crowe and Christian Bale as the two male leads. Not having seen the original, Mangold's version seems to fit very well into this period of time, not at all feeling oldfashioned, but very modern and at the same time bringing to the front the feeling of a true western. With bullets flying everywhere, 3:10 To Yuma provides its audience with enough action and suspense to keep it fresh and alive. Central to the film's plot is the story of Dan Evans, played by Bale, a very concerned father who struggles to keep his family together. It's this story and Bale's character which are the heart of the movie. Bale gives an excellent and very convincing performance as Evans, really wanting the best for his two sons. He looks exhausted, desperately clinging on to every chance he gets to make a little bit of money. Quite the opposite is Ben Wade, the cool and rough looking bad guy, played by Crowe. He has no good in him at all, he's all bad, but Crowe manages to give his character this contrasting side as well, a side which make him appeal to Dan Evans' son, who almost looks up to him as some kind of hero. There's this mystery surrounding him which you as a viewer come to feel when looking in Crowe's eyes. One moment he can be quite helpful, making jokes and making you believe he's not that bad, but than he just muffles all those thoughts away by telling you very convincingly and in a serious manner that he really isn't and he's just a cold killer who doesn't care about his victims. Though, someone who looks even more cold than Wade is his partner and his most faithful follower, Charlie Prince. Played by Ben foster, Prince is one cool blooded killing machine who lifts his gun at every opportunity. Foster's performance is very strong, making Prince the one bad guy Evans has to look out for the most. Playing Dan's son, William Evans with very red lips, is young actor Logan Lerman, a great choice for the role and who plays his character very well, making you as a viewer torn between two sides. Seeing how fascinated he is by Wade you want the young kid to explore these feelings and get him out there, but at the same time you worry for his father who most in the world wants his son to be save at home. With a very strong pace and beautiful shots of the landscape filled with the nicest oranges and browns, 3:10 To Yuma is a very exciting movie, combining both the elements of a blockbuster and those of a more arty kind of flick. With a strong and exciting story and characters who are very well layered and show a lot of depth, it makes of Yuma a film that very well succeeds and feels surprisingly fresh, which makes you forget that it's a remake completely.What is it about?
Dan Evans, a father who struggles to make ends meet, together with his two sons is witness of a robbery by Ben Wade and his men. Smartly getting the carriage which has money inside, to a standstill using Evan's cows, Wade and his men show how a strong force they are, easily getting hold of the cash. With his barn burned to the ground and not much money left, Dan struggles to keep his family together and not have their lack of money make them fall apart. Fascinated by the events, Evans' oldest son William, seems to be somewhat drawn to Wade's life
of crime and when Wade is cought some minutes later, which is much of Dan's doing, Wade is brought into the house of the Evans family to keep him hidden. Offering himself to help Wade get on the train to Yuma for 200 dollars, Dan is now part of the small group who will have to try and bring Wade to the train station in time so that he can be thrown in jail. With Wade's men still looking for him and more than willing to get their leader back, Evans and the group of men he travels with need to be careful not to lose their prisoner. However, when Wade's men happen to get closer they are put in a difficult position having to choose the fastest way to travel, but which is also the most dangerous route. In what seems to be a race against the clock, the group needs to stay ahead of Wade's men, but also make sure they won't lose their prisoner who knows many smart ways to escape.Final Verdict: *****
3:10 To Yuma is a very solid film which provides for great entertainment. With spectacular chases and very exciting gun fights you wander around in the world of the western. Supported by great performances by all actors and slick camerawork easily moving in and out of focus, giving the characters an even more strong personality, 3:10 To Yuma is a real treat and brings the genre back to life. With The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert
Ford also receiving much critical acclaim it seems to be a good year for the genre, also proofing that the western still very much appeals to today's audience. Apart from the great action scenes, I found myself most involved with Christian Bale's character and his love for his family. Having lost one leg, this guy's whole life seems to have been one of struggle and seeing him wonder why after all these years good things still have not come his way, makes you feel heartbroken. As a viewer you wish this guy all the best he can get and Bale's performance bring forth these feelings very well. 3:10 To Yuma might be a more maleoriented type of film, but everyone out there who loves movies will love Yuma, or you must just really have a dislike for westerns. But unless you don't, you will very much enjoy this film.
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