Now we finally have a film that I want everybody to go out and watch.
In a predictably slow weekend at the box office, the western remake
3:10 to Yuma (R) was the number one movie. Christian Bale stars as Dan
Evans, a down on his luck rancher who agrees to escort well-known outlaw
Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) to the 3:10 train to Yuma prison. James
Mangold (Walk the Line) directs.
Ryan: There's no question about it. 3:10 to Yuma is one of the year's
best. The film is not only a strong western but a strong film. I'll
freely admit that I had high expectations for this film. In rare fashion a
movie met my critical expectations. 3:10 to Yuma captivates not only
with its action but with its melodrama. The film is rated R for violence
but nothing happens that is absurdly over the top. In essence the movie
has the feel of a classic western (after all it is a remake) but with
a tone that feels both contemporary and classic.
Andy: It's been a while since Hollywood has put out a high-quality,
successful western, and it looks like 3:10 to Yuma ends that streak.
The film hits on several of the classic western motifs. There are
scenic panoramas, gangs of outlaws, stagecoach heists, basic good vs. evil
confrontations, and of course, plenty of gun play. Mangold is able to
piece it all together brilliantly. Mood and atmosphere are always
important in movies like this, and this one truly feels like an authentic
western. Ultimately, however, all of that is just the canvas for two
great actors to work on.
Ryan: It shouldn't be surprising to moviegoers why this movie is such a
success. The movie showcases the two best actors of their generation.
Their films might not always be box office smashes but both Crowe and
Bale always give authentic performances. Crowe relishes his opportunity
to play the villain (sometimes anti-hero) and gives another noteworthy
performance to his legendary career. Bale, who still might be
Hollywood's best kept secret, continues to give it his all with every
performance he undertakes. Seeing these two interact in the film is reason enough
to recommend it.
Andy: The way the narrative of 3:10 to Yuma is put together, it is
mostly about the relationship of the two lead characters and how that
relationship develops. What's great for the audience is that we have two
of the best actors in the biz playing these two characters, so
watching them linger between hatred and pseudo-friendship is one of the best
treats I've seen in film so far this year. It should come as no
surprise that these two actors put forth such solid performances; they
almost always do, but it is still great fun watching it play out on screen.
Ryan: While 3:10 to Yuma is a superb film, there are a few minor issues
with it. Bale's character has a wooded prosthetic on one of his legs
yet it doesn't seem to slow him down at all during the film. While it is
somewhat challenging to overlook the issue it is ultimately not
something that greatly detracts from the movie. Secondly, the movie is very
dialog driven for a western, which might put-off some fans of the genre.
I, personally, didn't have an issue with it because some of those
scenes of heavy articulation are some of the best scenes in the film. Like
most great modern day films stars, Crowe and Bale can aptly handle both
action and drama. In my view the film does a commendable job of
weaving the film's action with the movie's exchanges.
Andy: Sound is a tool that Mangold uses effectively here, particularly
in the dialogue scenes Ryan is talking about. One scene in particular
is of Bale's character saying goodbye to his wife before taking the
prisoner on the trip that he knows may cost him his life. The whole
scene is whispered dialogue that, even in the theatre, you almost have to
strain to hear. In spite of this, or perhaps because of it, it is one
of the more intense scenes in the movie. Bale is able to put a lot of
desperation in those whispers, and scenes like this give 3:10 to Yuma
a range that many westerns lack.
3:10 to Yuma is a truly well crafted western and is one of the best
movies of the year so far. Final grade: A-.
2 comments:
That movie was pretty damn awesome.
I don't think I gave permission for this to be published on the blog.
Post a Comment