3:10 TO YUMA (2007)

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"Possibly the best western ever made."

I liked this the first time I saw it. Don't get me wrong there. But I think this time around, I liked it way better. I almost didn't even buy this one, because the first time I saw it, I didn't think it was worth the buy. But I saw it for 6 bucks (that's a great deal, because it's normally $21. And yes, I bought this movie new, not used), and since that's almost the cost of a rental (almost, but not quite) I thought "Why not?" I wanted to see the film again anyway. But I didn't like the film. I LOVED it.

Let me say that I am not a fan of westerns at all. I think there are about 2 or 3 that I like, including this one. I know many people love them, but I personally find them dull, boring, and almost all the same. But since this one wasn't the regular old shoot outs in the towns, I liked it. It was different than all the other westerns. That's why I like this one. Plus 2 great actors add a lot to it.

The story like I just said is different than the average western. It isn't random killing and gun duels. In this one, Christian Bale volunteers to transport Ben Wade (Russell Crowe), a dangerous outlaw, all the way to the "3:10 To Yuma" a train that will put him in jail. This story calls for some great action with Ben Wade's men trying to find him, and get him back, along with some dramatic scenes. The end is not very good. I'm not gonna say what it is, because there are many ways this movie can turn out. But it's not a happy ending.

The acting is amazing by both Christian Bale and Russell Crowe. I am what you could call a fan of Christian Bale. And not just because he is in my favorite movie, American Psycho, but because he is a great actor. Russell Crowe is a good actor, but not in my favorites. But here he is the perfect bad guy. He is almost comical, because he is so nice, and yet evil. Bale gives yet another great performance, and him and Crowe work fantastically together.

The director is James Mangold, who also brought us Walk the Line, which is another great movie. This is a completely different movie to do for him, and how he did it really shows us his skill, considering he can do all sorts of films, not just one kind. I like how the actors act with each other, and how the director actually makes you care about each character, even the bad guy, Russell Crowe.

The visuals. Well I gave them a 5, because it's as good as a western can look. Very real, and how I would imagine it was back then. But I think part of the reason I never cared for westerns was partially because the scenery is not very entertaining to look at. But another compliment to the director- the directing is well enough to keep you highly entertained throughout the film.

Overall, an amazing film. Even if you really don't like westerns, just go buy it. Don't waste money on a rental fee.