Thursday, January 10, 2008

3:10 To Yuma - Russell Crow Movie Review

Just watched the DVD release of 4:10 to Yuma. Because I live in Yuma, Arizona... this movie title caught my attention. The story isn't based on Yuma history or location... but in various other desert Arizona locations.

First... If you haven't seen the 1995 movie - The Quick And The Dead - starring Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman and Russell Crow, get it now! Watching Russell Crow in this movie gives you an idea of why he was cast in 3:10 to Yuma. He is a versatile actor and creates believable characters. This can't be said about Sharon Stone in the Quick and The Dead. Although she is smart and of course gorgeous... she just didn't pull off the gunslinger roll.

Now... my take on the 3:10 to Yuma movie.

Get ready for a surprise beginning. Within minutes of the movie starting, the underling story starts to emerge... with an event that remains a constant throughout the movie. The family dynamics and conflicts portrayed are some of the same types of problems we face today.

  • Struggles with money
  • Teenage angst
  • Physical ailments and disabilities
  • Children not believing in their parents ability to protect the family
Portrayals of home life and the conflicts carry one half of the story throughout the movie.

The other half of the story...

It's just very hard to hate any character that is played by Crow. Is endearing smile and charming personality just permeates all his characters. Crow's character is Ben Wade, an outlaw thief and murderer. The plague of the railroad crossing the Arizona desert is Ben Wade. He has tested their patience with over 20 robberies. He and his gang are the other half of the story in the movie.

What is really interesting... is that these two stories coexist and mingle throughout the movie. The final scene's create tension and hold many surprises. The outlaw and his gang are at odds while the outlaw and his captor teach each about courage, love and overcoming odds.

Definitely not a tear jerker... 0 Hanky Movie.

I give this move 3*** our of 4***

Very engaging... and action packed. If you love a good Western... this one should be on your list of must see movies.

Oh... and did I mention... Peter Fonda is in this movie! And he has a much larger part than in - Wild Hogs.


3:10 to Yuma (Full Screen Edition)

3:10 to Yuma

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