by Isabella Jordan 3:10 to Yuma Directed by James Mangold. Starring Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Gretchen Mol, Peter Fonda and more. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale are captivating in the best western this reviewer has seen since 1992's Unforgiven. Christian Bale plays Dan Evans, a man trying to save his family's small ranch. It's very dry, they live there for a reason, so he needs money for a well to pay off some old debts. The debt is the reason some men burn down his barn at the movies opening. Despite whatever is in this man's past, he's a good husband and a caring father to his two sons. Ben Wade, played by Russell Crowe, is anything but a good man. He and his posse are out to rob a stagecoach carrying a considerable amount of cash and they'll kill anyone who gets in their way. They stop the coach but they don't expect to encounter a bounty hunter in it. There's a battle, bloodshed. Finally Ben encounters Dan who is out on the canyon with his sons looking for lost cattle. Dan demands their horses so they can't ride off to find the Marshall. Dan complies, wanting to protect his children.

Only problem is, the authorities find Dan who points them in the right direction. He goes with them for the promise of money in apprehending this dangerous outlaw. The money will save his farm. The valor that comes with the task will suit another purpose for Dan, more personal, that you find out about at the end.

They surprise Ben in a town called Bixby and a group of men, including Dan, are assigned to get him on the 3:10 to Yuma which will take him to prison. For money, for valor, Dan agrees to take on this dangerous assignment.

What follows is a fast-paced, well crafted story with a lot of action and violence. It will captivate you from the opening sequence until the final credits roll. While the plot doesn't offer a lot of surprises and plays out very much like the classic westerns of old, the few twists and turns in the plot are well done and one is rather unique.

The acting is superb. Russell Crowe is perfectly cast as the outlaw with quite a history of wrongdoing. Christian Bale is also perfect for his role as a Civil War veteran with a couple of skeletons in his own closet. This actor continues to amaze me with the range of his acting abilities because to a small degree I expected not to like him as an American cowboy type. He was wonderful! Between the two of them, they built a compelling relationship between their characters and were completely sympathetic and real.

The supporting players were wonderful as well. In particular I'd like to mention Ben Foster, who I've not see much of, as the murderous Charlie and Peter Fonda as the bounty hunter. Even Luke Wilson makes a cameo appearance and only enhances the film with his presence.

This is a highly recommend film. It's a long one so go easy on the sodas if you go to the theater to see it - and you really should. It's over two and a half hours but it will feel like maybe one and you'll want more. This film is rated R for language and a lot of violence so I can say I'd recommend letting the younger set see it.

Best Lines:

Ben Wade: Those women will do things to you you'll never forget.
Doc Potter: They'll give you a disease you'll never forget.

Isy