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Great westerns are a rarity today much less a remake
that's why James Mangold's film "3:10 to Yuma" (adapted
from an Elmore Leonard story and previously made as a marvelous
film with Glenn Ford) is all the more remarkable. Any film--whether
it be a historical western or a science fiction film is
truly made more as a commentary on the era it was made in
and "3:10 to Yuma" is no exception to this rule. Although
the final moments of the film might stretch credibility
to some, if you've followed the shifting relationship that
develops between Dan, Wade and recognize the respect that
Wade gains for Dan in spite of insurmountable odds, you'll
buy into it. Or not. I suppose it depends on your beliefs
and personal taste. ***
Dan (Christian Bale) struggles with a ranch that just
isn't producing putting him and his family further and further
into debt. A Civil War veteran, he's still active even though
he lost half his foot in the war but because of his experience
he's a cautious man who looks out for his family first and
as a result his son who is in the thrall of the folk heroes
of the time doesn't respect his dad. When Wade (Russell
Crowe)storms into town after robbing the payroll for the
railroad yet again, Dan becomes a reluctant hero but sees
a way past his troubles--he volunteers to escort Wade to
the nearest town and get him on the 3:10 train to Yuma and
the territorial prison. Wade isn't your typical criminal
however--he's intelligent, articulate and an artist to boot
which makes him all the more crafty and difficult to control.
He's a sociopath who finds common ground with a common man
--Dan--who has had a string of bad luck in the man's sense
of honor. ***
Meanwhile, Dan and a crew of "escorts" must contend
with Wade's gang and in particular his unstable Lt. (Ben
Watson in a marvelous, and disturbing performance)who is
tracking Wade's every move in an effort to spring his boss.
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Image & Sound:
The DVD The Blu-ray transfer looks stunning with deep,
rich blacks and great detail and color. If you aren't a
Blu-ray fan (or you're in the HD DVD camp), the regular
DVD also looks terrific drawn from the same source. Audio
sounds terrific with a lossless audio transfer and nice
use of the surround speakers. ---
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