3:10 TO YUMA [2007] review

January 12, 2008 · Print This Article

I am a big fan of westerns, especially old westerns. So I was very impressed that a western like 3:10 TO YUMA could be made still. Like most great westerns, it has a very simple plot. Christian Bale’s character, Evans, is helping to transport a “prisoner,” Russell Crowe’s character, Wade, to a prison train. Wade is quite the famous outlaw and it’s easy to see why instantly. … In contrast, Bale plays Evans about as dry as one can.

…As well as being a great western and a great action movie, the greatest part is its psychological aspect. What is driving each man, Evans and Wade, to do what they do? I was often thinking to myself what kind of game is Wade playing at?

…The tension is taunt throughout most of the film’s 2 hour running time. … I can’t remember now, but one time Evans got a good “ha” out of me.

…It goes without saying that the great American western vistas were filmed beautifully. And the score and use of natural sound effects especially were outstanding. Listen carefully in one scene how the chug of a train engine seems to punctuate the scene. I imagine the slow chug was in tune to my own heartbeat at that time.

…3:10 TO YUMA is a powerful movie that should be placed on the shelf alongside other western classics.

…Other westerns reviews:

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