The set-up allows the protagonists to be confined in tight quarters, and watching Crowe as Wade bait Bale as Evans is utterly absorbing. But every actor is on the top of their game in 3:10 to Yuma. Two in particular to point out that stand slightly above the rest of the supporting cast are Ben Foster and Logan Lerman. Foster’s fantastic as Ben Wade’s crazy number two man, absolutely commanding attention as a psychopath on the loose. As Ben’s 14-year-old son, Lerman more than holds his own in a lineup loaded with critically acclaimed veteran actors.
The Bottom Line
3:10 to Yuma is a complex, captivating film that allows the audience to draw its own conclusions. The answers aren’t spelled out and interpretations as to the motivation of Wade, and even of Wade’s loyal follower Charlie Prince, will no doubt vary from person to person. It’d be fascinating to delve into the psyche of Ben Wade, and to be left feeling so intensely interested in a fictional character long after the film’s over is a rare and refreshing occurrence. I still find myself wondering what made him tick weeks after screening the film.
Christian Bale and Russell Crowe in 3:10 to Yuma.
© Lionsgate Films
GRADE: A
3:10 to Yuma was directed by James Mangold and is rated R for violence and some language.
