Rent 3:10 to Yuma (2007)

An average Western with moderate performances - 3:10 to Yuma review by TB

Back when there was a sudden resurgence of interest in the Western genre, multiple films were made, some great, some not so great. This firmly falls into the latter. Despite having an amazing cast, with Russell Crowe on anti-hero duties and Christian Bale as the disabled, impoverished ranch hand who is offered a massive payday to transport Crowe’s character to the 3:10 prison train, it never truly catches fire and takes flight.

The film itself tries to deal with many heavy subjects, some of which it does quite well. It is especially well-shown how painful it is for Bale’s character to not be the father he feels they deserve. But there are also many slow moments and as much as there is the big action scene at the end, it is in many ways too little too late. Crowe also gives in many ways an autopilot performance, which is a shame considering how good he can be.

But the film itself is very well-shot and the rollcall of actors means that it is never boring to be around. I just wished it had been more than this. However, it is absolutely a 3-star film and worth a watch.

A classic genre revisited - 3:10 to Yuma review by Pete W

Remember all those westerns that used to be on TV on a Sunday afternoon? Well this is out of the same stable but updated for the 21st century. Solid performances from Russell Crowe and Christian Bale in the lead roles and a storyline that holds the attention with constant twists and turns. Special mention for Ben Foster as a psychopathic outlaw who gets what he deserves in the end from an unexpected source.