3:10 To Yuma Defies Classic Westerns

3:10 to Yuma is a rare gem among modern Western films. This is a movie that defies many of the conventions of Western film making, to great effect. The characters are well defined, and the line between good and evil is blurred to the point that the viewer is never really sure whom to root for. Nor is this simply the tale of a single lone wolf hero taking on the lawless Wild West. Instead the storyline revolves around the interactions of a host of intriguing characters whose roles rarely fall into easily definable categories like "hero" or "villain".

Russell Crowe is in his element playing the affable outlaw Ben Wade. The character of Wade is driven by the belief that it is natural for men to take everything they can, by whatever means they must. Wade and his gang have made a reputation stealing money from the railroad, an industry that follows the same immoral rules of West. But although Wade is an outlaw who kills without remorse, the viewer develops an attraction to his bravado and sense of humor.

Christian Bale plays Dan Evans, an out of luck rancher who is desperate to regain the respect of his children and wife. At the start of the film the Evans family is under assault by hooligans under the employ of the railroad, which wants to steal the family's land. After Wade is captured, Evans has a chance to make the money he needs to save his ranch by joining a railroad organized posse that has been entrusted with the mission of delivering the outlaw to justice. More importantly, Evans has the chance to play the hero for the first time in his life.

But to collect the reward money from the railroad Evans and the rest of the posse must get the outlaw on board the 3:10 train to Yuma. For Evans this means facing the reality that Wade may not be as much of a villain as his would be captors. Evans must choose between risking his life to help the railroad he hates and helping Wade escape. Each route promises a lucrative cash reward. But Evans wants more than material comfort. He wants the one thing that has remained illusive throughout his cursed existence: honor.

A memorable cast of side characters provides for a well-rounded story line. Peter Fonda plays Wade's nemesis, a bounty hunter employed by the railroad to put an end to the gang's streak of daring robberies. Fonda's rogue has a dark past of his own, having participated in the massacre of Indian women and children. And Ben Foster plays Charlie Prince, a ruthless killer whose coldness is matched only by his loyalty to his mentor, Ben Wade.

3:10 to Yuma is now available on DVD.It is a must see for any fan of the Western genre.