Movie - 3:10 to Yuma (2007) [+]
Jun 29 2022
3:10 to Yuma (2007) is a western based on a short story which was made into a movie in the 50's.
Set in Old West Arizona where Union veteran-now-farmer Dan Evans (Christian Bale) is having trouble with the local big rancher whom he owes money to. Just last night some thugs came by to burn down his barn as warning that he needs to repay a loan very soon.
The next day while gathering their scattered herd with his two sons they see Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) and his banditos rob a heavily guarded payroll coach, killing all the guards except Pinkerton mercenary Byron McElroy (Peter Fonda) who they leave greatly wounded. The bandits see Wade and sons and take their horses, leaving them on the trail to slow them down.
Wade rescues McElroy and once a posse arrives they head into town where Wade happens to be captured because he wanted a bit of a dalliance with local saloon manager Emma (Vinessa Shaw). Meanwhile Wade's second in command, Charlie Prince (Ben Foster), had taken the rest of the men across the border to Mexico.
Railroad agent Grayson Butterfield (Dallas Roberts) is determined that Wade not be lynched on the spot but be sent to prison where he will get a trial and the hanging he deserves. He needs three men to help him escort Wade to the next town where they will put Wade on the 3:10 train to Yuma and federal prison.
Dan volunteers for the $200 that will save his farm. McElroy volunteers because he's ornery and hates Wade. Doc Potter (Alan Tudyk) is volunteered to make sure McElroy's gunshot wound is tended. Tucker (Kevin Durand) goes along cause he sees himself as a tough guy, tougher than Wade. Tucker also led the thugs that burned down Dan's farm (instant Drama!). Later on Dan's eldest, 14-year old William (Logan Lerman), sneaks off after them because he wants to have an adventure and has a romantic view about outlaws (more Drama!).
The rest of the movie is this group trying to convey Wade to the next town and onto the train while being chased by Prince and Wade's men. The group has to contend going through Indian territory, people who want revenge on Wade, and Wade continually escaping and killing them one by one.
Dan has an interesting character arc. He's a veteran missing a leg (he wears an artificial lower leg). He allows himself to be pushed around. But there's steel underneath and it turns out he's desperate to prove himself to his son William who has a low opinion of dad. When it comes for the final confrontation everyone else backs out leaving Dan alone to get Wade onto the train and that's something Wade comes to respect.
There is a lot of action. Some gunfights and shootouts, though mostly appetizers for the big end battle running the gauntlet across town while half the town is out to shoot Dan because Prince put a $200 bounty on him. Good character moments, especially with Dan. Great acting and Wade is ruthless and charming outlaw.
I've heard this is a great western film and I agree.
Set in Old West Arizona where Union veteran-now-farmer Dan Evans (Christian Bale) is having trouble with the local big rancher whom he owes money to. Just last night some thugs came by to burn down his barn as warning that he needs to repay a loan very soon.
The next day while gathering their scattered herd with his two sons they see Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) and his banditos rob a heavily guarded payroll coach, killing all the guards except Pinkerton mercenary Byron McElroy (Peter Fonda) who they leave greatly wounded. The bandits see Wade and sons and take their horses, leaving them on the trail to slow them down.
Wade rescues McElroy and once a posse arrives they head into town where Wade happens to be captured because he wanted a bit of a dalliance with local saloon manager Emma (Vinessa Shaw). Meanwhile Wade's second in command, Charlie Prince (Ben Foster), had taken the rest of the men across the border to Mexico.
Railroad agent Grayson Butterfield (Dallas Roberts) is determined that Wade not be lynched on the spot but be sent to prison where he will get a trial and the hanging he deserves. He needs three men to help him escort Wade to the next town where they will put Wade on the 3:10 train to Yuma and federal prison.
Dan volunteers for the $200 that will save his farm. McElroy volunteers because he's ornery and hates Wade. Doc Potter (Alan Tudyk) is volunteered to make sure McElroy's gunshot wound is tended. Tucker (Kevin Durand) goes along cause he sees himself as a tough guy, tougher than Wade. Tucker also led the thugs that burned down Dan's farm (instant Drama!). Later on Dan's eldest, 14-year old William (Logan Lerman), sneaks off after them because he wants to have an adventure and has a romantic view about outlaws (more Drama!).
The rest of the movie is this group trying to convey Wade to the next town and onto the train while being chased by Prince and Wade's men. The group has to contend going through Indian territory, people who want revenge on Wade, and Wade continually escaping and killing them one by one.
Dan has an interesting character arc. He's a veteran missing a leg (he wears an artificial lower leg). He allows himself to be pushed around. But there's steel underneath and it turns out he's desperate to prove himself to his son William who has a low opinion of dad. When it comes for the final confrontation everyone else backs out leaving Dan alone to get Wade onto the train and that's something Wade comes to respect.
There is a lot of action. Some gunfights and shootouts, though mostly appetizers for the big end battle running the gauntlet across town while half the town is out to shoot Dan because Prince put a $200 bounty on him. Good character moments, especially with Dan. Great acting and Wade is ruthless and charming outlaw.
I've heard this is a great western film and I agree.