Sep 19, 2013
The word remake differ in tone depending on the genre of films. In horror it's very common to expect nothing that'll match the original with the remake failing to understand what worked and what didn't the first time around. In the action genre it's obligatory that the remake will either be a rehashed, worse than the original, and at times overshadow a good film due to its poor reputation. For Western the word remake is a more positive phrase as "The Magnificent Seven" and "True Grit" match their original counterpart. The difference with "3:10 To Yuma" being it's one of the rare occasion where many believe the remake surpasses the original.
3:10 To Yuma is about a small-time rancher agreeing to escort a captured outlaw who's awaiting a train to go to court in Yuma. Driven by it characters rather than a conventional goal. The plot is traditionally simple and with modern complexity presented in the characters. It two central characters analyze not only each other, but the depiction of the old west. Both the lawmen and outlaws take liberty in action to get what their job done. Dealing with the ideas of honor, respect, pride, and the ultimate question what is good and what is bad or what is right and what is wrong. It doesn't pick a side rather it more explores the depth of morality. Portrayal of the old West remains realistic until the final act becoming over the top for an appropriate reason. While it is established (or predicted by the viewers) that nothing would be gained if the destination was met for either central characters it doesn't take away anything from the character's arc.
Unfortunately despite having compelling villain he is sadly a plot device. Not bad in a traditional sense he serves nothing, but in the way he can't suffer negative consequences while being held captive. Upon killing one of his captors he must remained unharmded because the plot needs him in good condition for the climax. Our heroes morality is tackled when debating to kill the criminal on the spot; however, the heroes make several bad decisions during their journey you know they won't turn against the law. You'll never feel the lawmen will become an outlaw nor the fear for a second care for the outlaw life in risk given how well he's treated by his lawmen. The ending can garner mixed results. It's an ending that is wholly satisfying and nonsensical. Closing the film two central character arc in manner that makes a reflection on one man life as lie and one man life as the truth. Nonsensical thinking upon it as nothing was accomplished by our central character and that each seal their fate knowing the outcome of their action. As a character study it succeeds in area you wouldn't expect it too, but the narrative never makes it come full circle.
Christian Bale plays his role quiet low key, controlled, and generates considerable sympathy for him. Russell Crowe is equally match Bale as a clever and ruthless leader of his gang of robbers, but his very subtle take that his character is getting tired of his life, and his gradual bonding to Bale worth watching. Ben Foster portrays a borderline psychotic in a manner that also avoids stereotyping in good performance. These actors are supported by good supporting actors by Peter Fonda, Alan Tudyk, Dallas Roberts, and Logan Lerman. In fact it is the character interplay is the driving heart of the film, and keeps you transfixed throughout. This interplay is brilliantly facilitated by writer-director Mangold, who sets it in a spectacular environment and embellishes the story well-handled complexities.
3:10 To Yuma is an intelligent character studied even if the story it tells is not on the level of wit as the characters we analyze. It's a Western that is founded by its actor interplay and character interactions under James Mangold direction that give it great success. No matter if you're a die hard Western fan or not one in favor of the genre "3:10 To Yuma" contains strong characters and equally powerful cast that complements an intelligent look at the old west.
Verified