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I do not particularly care for the 'Western' genre. It is stilted and can become boring very quickly. However, I was intrigued by the trailers for '3:10 to Yuma', and knew with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale headlining it, it was probably worth going to see. I was not disappointed.

Christian Bale is Dan Evans, a down-on-his-luck rancher and Civil War veteran who is about to loose his ranch because he cannot pay the mortgage. After the mortgage-holder's vigilantes burn down his barn and let his cattle out of their pen, he and his two sons witness Ben Wade and his gang rob a payroll stage while rounding up their livestock. Wade, portrayed by Russell Crowe, is a ruthless murderer who uses his keen intelligence to manipulate those around him. When Wade is caught shortly after the stage hold-up, Dan Evans volunteers to be part of the party that escorts him into Yuma to catch the train to prison. What follows is a race to make the train before Wade's gang catches up with them, and a psychological battle of wits between the two principle characters. Throughout the film, the two participate in a verbal sparring that is at once taunting and full of subtle complexities. The movie also follows a critical plot line between Dan and his eldest son, who feels his father is incapable of caring for their family. The boy, intent to prove himself capable where his father is not, follows them and convinces the group to allow him to join the group escorting Wade.

This movie is an excellent blending of action, suspense, and dialog. What sets this apart from your run-of-the-mill movie experience is the interplay between Crowe and Bale. Both of these actors are at their best here, and again prove they are masters of their craft. Russell Crowe plays his part to perfection, with an intelligence and perception that make Wade a formidable force. Christian Bale's Evans is brilliant; his code of honor a perfect foil for Wade's manipulation and deceit.

We all reach a point in our lives where we question our existence and the worth of our long-held values; we all wonder where, exactly, the line is drawn between what is good and right and what is reprehensible. '3:10 to Yuma' explores these ideas in a fresh and startling way, twisting the viewer's perspectives while still affirming what we know: mankind has great capability for good, mixed with great capacity for evil.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Fulkes.
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