'3:10 to Yuma' provides modern spin on classic Western

By Brittany Benjamin

Walking into a theater to see what has been coined the revival of the classic Western, I expected to be met with the standard blood, gore, occasional tumbleweeds blowing across the screen and the slow, slurred speech John Wayne is so famous for. However, I was pleasantly surprised with "3:10 to Yuma."

While the blood and gore were overtly present, the sporadic tumbleweed and slow speech were noticeably absent. As his modern day counterparts, Russell Crowe and Christian Bale more than fill the immortal shoes of John Wayne.

Crowe stars as Ben Wade, a ruthless outlaw with boyish charm. Bale plays Dan Evans, a down-on-his-luck local rancher in desperate need of money to save his family and ranch.

Having tipped off authorities after robbing a stagecoach just outside of town and killing all passengers but one, Wade's addiction to women proves to be his demise as the authorities catch him after he spends a night with an attractive bartender.

Evans volunteers to accompany the captive Wade to the town of Contention. In exchange, Evans will receive $200 to save his ranch from encroaching railroad developers, as well as the priceless prize of renewed respect from his family. In Contention, Wade is to board the 3:10 train to Yuma, which will cart him off to an execution by hanging.

Though they initially appear to be opposites, both in personality as well as in moral values, the two men come to understand each other through the journey and ultimately form an unlikely bond that creates a chemistry that is just as much fun to watch as the gun fights.

Crowe, as the charming Wade who seems to be unaware of his own moral ambiguity, is the perfect counterpart to Bale's quiet, moralistic Evans, who intends to do the right thing, no matter the cost.

The movie is brightened by a lengthy list of cameos. Western veteran Peter Fonda co-stars before Wade tosses him off a cliff. Alan Tudyk, also known as the guy who played Steve the Pirate in "Dodgeball," appears as the outlandish doctor. Even Luke Wilson makes an appearance as a member of a posse.

However, the brightest star shines in Logan Lerman, the 15-year-old playing Evans' son. Not only is it heart-wrenching to watch his final scene opposite Bale, his bright green eyes give his scenes an emotional intensity that is uncommon for actors his age.

Guys will enjoy the countless gunfights, as well as the classic charm that made Westerns so popular originally. They will also be happy to know Westerns have been resurrected with a kick of modernity.

Women will enjoy the movie for all those reasons and maybe for superficial reasons as well: Who wouldn't want to watch Russell Crowe and Christian Bale for two solid hours?

The bottom line: "3:10" proves compelling for both sexes.

Grade: B+

Contact Brittany Benjamin at (408) 551-1918 or brbenjamin@scu.edu.