In Short: Great Western action! Starts out with what seems like traditional Western. Quickly develops into personal agendas on both sides, blurring black and white.

The Background: Very loosely based on 1957 “3:10 to Yuma” with Glenn Ford. Giving depth to the Western genre. Watch special features for historical and the development of the Western genre and famous outlaws as James Younger.

The Story: Out-of-his-luck rancher Dan Evans unwittingly witnesses a railroad payroll coach robbery by the infamous outlaw Ben Wade. Because of his being down of his luck, Evans is part of the posse to bring Wade to the 3:10 to Yuma prison train in Contention for a $200 reward. Of course, the road to Contention is filled with perils, the least of which is Wade’s own disarming charisma and psychological probes for weaknesses.

Note-worthy Characters Christian Bale’s complex portrayal of a small time rancher with his misfortunes, misgivings, motivations. Russell Crowe’s portrait of Ben Wade, a Bible quoting infamous gang leader with an artist’s eye to art and murder, with what must have been a risky role for him to take a villain’s role. Ben Foster’s hair-raising second-in-command Charlie Prince’s mischief and mayhem. Peter Fonda supports with a believable old-timer portrait of a Pinkerton detective agency bounty hunter with a history of bumping up against Wade. Surprisingly strong performance with Logan Lerman as the eldest son and part of Dan’s motivations.

The Action: For a singular action scene, don’t miss the stagecoach robbery scene and the Special Features in the making of the scene.

WARNING: The following contains MILD Spoilers…..

The Turning Point: Everything catches up in the town of Contention. The posse, with renewed numbers, care of the local marshal and his men, thanks to Pinkerton reward money. Charlie Prince and the outlaw gang, with offers of their own money to anybody. Rancher Dan Evans, with the motivation to make the opportunity into clearing his misfortunes and misgivings. Outlaw Ben Wade, to make or unmake the entirety.

In Ending: For the psychological warfare coupled with great Western action, this is Definitely worth a Watch!