3:10 To Yuman

3:10 to Yuma is a good western film that has almost everything going for it. It has a good yet typical western plot, great acting, and a good script. Its only failing point is the ending which neither I nor anyone else I saw the movie with cared for. Western lovers rejoice! They have finally created a good film for you.

Plot: Dan Evans (Christian Bale) is a struggling rancher whose land will be sold to the railroad unless he can come up with some money fast. A notorious stagecoach robber, Ben Wade, has been captured in his town and Evans volunteers (for $200) to be on the posse that takes Wade to Contention to be put on the 3:10 train to Yuma prison. This is not going to be an easy job. Wade is dangerous even unarmed and his posse is right behind them with every intention of rescuing Wade and killing the posse that is taking him to the train. Can Evans and the posse get Wade to Contention and get him on that train? You will have to watch the movie to find out.

The script for this film is not cheesy. It is actually very well down and a lot of the characterization is presented to us through conversations between the characters. The characters in this movie have some depth. Both Wade and Evans are very interesting and layered characters which give this movie some its charm. The cinematography in this film is also very good. The action scenes are shot very well as are some of the riding scenes. They are kind of gritty and jerky which give the movie some extra visual flavor.

The action is superb. Christian Bale is a great as Dan Evans, the ex-solider who is maimed and down on his luck. He is trying to be a good father and husband, but life has the cards stacked against him. Russell Crowe is a wonderful as Ben Wade, the bad guy. He is a very slick talker. He is a very interesting and complicated man and watching his character unfold is one of the pleasures of the movie. All the other cowboys put in good performances as well. For all you Firefly fans, that is Wash the pilot (Alan Tudyk) playing Doc Potter.

All in all I enjoyed this film and I am not a big westerns fan. The movie was very well put together although, I thought the ending was a bit weak and confusing and that is what is keeping this film from being a five star film. I give this one 4 out of 5 stars. You should enjoy this film if you like westerns or action films it is very well done and worth seeing on the big screen. It would be great for a date or a Sunday afternoon Matinee Don't let this one pass you by.