3:10 to Yuma [Blu-ray]
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Movie Reviews of 3:10 to Yuma [Blu-ray]
Movie Review: 3:10 to Yuma (Blu-ray)
Summary: 5 Stars
Movie - 4.5
For the longest time, I'd never really been in to Westerns. They were kinda' cool from an action standpoint, but I rarely saw films of this genre concentrate on the characters. Unforgiven is probably the only other Western I could say I really, really liked. Then I saw the 2007 remake of 3:10 to Yuma. For me personally, if I had to make a choice between style and substance, I'll just about always take substance first (though, I certainly don't mind style, depending on who's creating it). In 3:10, we have two fascinating tales, 1) a man striving to be more for his family than what he'd become, and 2) the story of a supposed cutthroat outlaw, who in the end, wasn't such a bad guy after all. Prior to seeing this for the first time ever (which was well after it's theatrical run and on to Blu-ray), I had no clue this was even up for Oscar nominations. But, I can certainly see why with such a competent script, great storytelling, and even greater characters played impeccably by Bale and Crowe. I particularly enjoyed watching the chemistry that grew between them as the film progressed, which was elaborated upon even better due to their opposing personalities (Evans being the giver, and Wade being the taker). In fact, there were many a scene that I'd like to say I found thoroughly heroic and almost inspiring, in a sort of bittersweet retrospect, but at the expense of not ruining some of the more dramatic plot twists, I'll leave the viewing to you, the audience. The film presents a terrific balance of action, drama, and character development, all while being very realistic to the old west in terms of design and production. Aesthetically speaking, I'd probably go so far as to call it the best looking Western to date. Critically, I'd almost put it as one of my all-time favorite films, but I thought the overall length was just a tad too short for all the material to really stick with me by film's end. It sure does have its replay value, though (I've seen it 4 times now at the time of this review, and it hasn't lost a step).
Video - 4.5
For the most part, 3:10 does an excellent job in terms of maintaining sharpness, contrast, and especially blacks. Dark images always tend to stick out the most to me on Blu-rays, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how well night time scenes held up in this effort. The only problems I noticed were a few shots here and there that displayed extreme amounts of grain, though in very, very quick intervals (maybe 1 or 2 seconds at most). I think it may have been a result of photography/visual effects, as opposed to the encode itself. But on top of that, I also noticed a few day scenes where closeups would some times become soft. Again, I'm not sure if this was a part of the photography or encode, as some shots do a lot of focus change, but it's hard to tell because of transition speed and the pace of the movie itself.
Audio - 5.0
Lionsgate continues to impress me with their job on audio encoding. Presented with an uncompressed PCM 7.1 track, 3:10 does a perfect job of directionality and ambiance, putting dialogue, sound effects, and a catchy score by Marco Beltrami to their full potential. Being a Western, you can expect a few gunshots, horse galloping, and several instances of boot/spur on wood/dirt. To put it bluntly, you will not be disappointed. All sounds meld together flawlessly with no dropouts, distortions, or channel intrusions (<-- reference quality).
Extras - 4.0
Depending on the film, I'm always up for some well-made special features. I actually don't care too much for commentary, as I'd rather just watch the movie, so I can't tell you what it was like on this particular effort. I did, however, take a look at everything else. Basically you have a few segments covering the production side of 3:10, then a couple of other mini documentaries covering the history of the old west (in this case, the mythology of the outlaw and the emergence of the Transcontinental Railroad). I enjoyed the production segments, but personally found the history ones a little more on the bland side (I was never good at history in school, and I'm actually not even that fond of Western culture, to be honest). But if you're in to that sort of coverage, it's not too bad for the 40 minutes they give you. All extras are in HD, by the way.
Overall - 4.5
Being one of the few Westerns I really enjoyed and probably the best LOOKING of its genre to date, 3:10 to Yuma is an excellent movie worthy of its Oscar-nominated efforts. James Mangold directs a fabulous group of actors led by Christian Bale and Russell Crowe that both entertains and provides a subtle look into sociology that some still argue exists today. With a near perfect video transfer, a flawless audio encode, and very in depth special features, 3:10 comes highly recommended to anyone looking to add not just a well-made Western, but a genuinely gripping film into their collections.
Movie Review: Marvelous remake of classic western with Crowe and Bale
Summary: 5 Stars
Great westerns are a rarity today much less a remake that's why James Mangold's film "3:10 to Yuma" (adapted from an Elmore Leonard story and previously made as a marvelous film with Glenn Ford) is all the more remarkable. Any film--whether it be a historical western or a science fiction film is truly made more as a commentary on the era it was made in and "3:10 to Yuma" is no exception to this rule. Although the final moments of the film might stretch credibility to some, if you've followed the shifting relationship that develops between Dan, Wade and recognize the respect that Wade gains for Dan in spite of insurmountable odds, you'll buy into it. Or not. I suppose it depends on your beliefs and personal taste.
Dan (Christian Bale)struggles with a ranch that just isn't producing putting him and his family further and further into debt. A Civil War veteran, he's still active even though he lost half his foot in the war but because of his experience he's a cautious man who looks out for his family first and as a result his son who is in the thrall of the folk heroes of the time doesn't respect his dad. When Wade (Russell Crowe)storms into town after robbing the payroll for the railroad yet again, Dan becomes a reluctant hero but sees a way past his troubles--he volunteers to escort Wade to the nearest town and get him on the 3:10 train to Yuma and the territorial prison. Wade isn't your typical criminal however--he's intelligent, articulate and an artist to boot which makes him all the more crafty and difficult to control. He's a sociopath who finds common ground with a common man --Dan--who has had a string of bad luck. What appeals to him about Dan is his sense of honor and sacrifice for his family along with the fact that he is, in spite of his flaws, an honest, decent man just trying to make a go of it something that Wade can never be.
Meanwhile, Dan and a crew of "escorts" must contend with Wade's gang and in particular his unstable Lt. (Ben Watson in a marvelous, and disturbing performance)who is tracking Wade's every move in an effort to spring his boss.
The Blu-ray transfer looks stunning with deep, rich blacks and great detail and color. If you aren't a Blu-ray fan (or you're in the HD DVD camp), the regular DVD also looks terrific drawn from the same source. Audio sounds terrific with a lossless audio transfer and nice use of the surround speakers.
The extras aren't quite as good as I thought they would be. While the commentary from director Mangold is marvelous, I would have liked to see more time spent on the featurettes and a discussion of what really went on during the time frame of the film. We do however get a nice interactive feature which I haven't honestly had time to investigate yet.
A marvelous film filled with strong performances from Crowe, Bale, Peter Fonda and what is essentially an extended cameo by Gretchen Moll, "3:10 to Yuma" isn't "The Unforgiven" but it really doesn't pretend to be. I think what many of the critics are seeing is a serious committment to the type of involving western like the one that Eastwood made. This film about honor, duty and desperation is well worth checking out.
One of a trio of fine westerns that came out in 2007 ("The Proposition" is another one), "3:10 to Yuma" is as much about the characters as it is about the action and that's truly what makes for outstanding drama.
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Movie Review: The classic Old West is Back
Summary: 5 Stars
The Western genre is pretty rare nowadays--the Hollywood of today usually prefers other kinds of films (we feel you Clint Eastwood). Fortunately for the die-hard fans of the classic Spaghetti Western, the waiting is over. 3:10 to Yuma is one of the best Western film in years and probably one of the best films of 2007 overall. Not only we get excellent performances by Crowe and Bale, but the film captures the Western film traditions from the past--everything from a compelling story with a sense of justice and great gun action. Read on and I tell you, even if you're not a fan of Western, why you have to watch this extraordinary film.
Brief Intro Story:
The Old West is hard place to live, not only you have to deal with criminals and desert weather, but also with creditors who can be just as dangerous.
Things are not going well financially for the crippled family guy Dan Evans (Christian Bale) who has to support his wife Alice and two sons--he didn't pay the bills and his creditors burned his barn. As he is going back to town with his kids to complain about what happened, they see the famous outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) with his vicious gang who just busted a wagon full of cash (killing almost everybody). The gang members see Evans and his kids, but Wade (the boss of the gang) decides to only take their horses and leaves them standing there, but the gang makes a mistake--they left one wounded man. The gang goes to town and while Wade is alone and having fun with a local girl, he gets captured by the authorities while he is talking to Evans--who made it to town anyways. But they need extra help to transport him to catch a train that will take him to prison, and that's where Evans volunteers to help--for $200 dollars. He doesn't know that transporting this infamous bandit will turn his life around.
Review:
Director James Mangold (Walk the Line) has created an instant Western classic in almost every aspect. Here we find two cowboys, who are on different sides of the law, but at the same time, there is a sense of fellowship, loyalty and understanding between them--Not only their acting is impressive, there is so much chemistry on screen. In one hand, we have the outlaw Ben Wade who is a casual guy, a bit of a playboy, but he can be vicious if you push his buttons. despite all the immorality and his cockiness; he is a likeable character nevertheless. Then we have Evans who is a serious man of integrity, a loving father that will do everything he can to support his family righteously. There is a point in the film where his loyalty is put to the test, as well as the will to continue with the mission--this is the point of no return when it's not even about the money anymore. The two characters blend towards the end, they finally understand each other and create one of the best endings in recent memory.
Technically speaking, 3:10 to Yuma is a marvel to behold. We get the classic look and feel of the Old West with excellent cinematography, intense gun battle sequences and good costume design. Perhaps for many, the first act might be a bit slow, but after Wade gets captured, the film picks up with great drama and suspense. With all these great sequences, we also get excellent sound effects--which reminds me a bit of Kevin Costner's Open Range. Some of these sounds effects creates even melancholia--listen carefully, specially during the final battle.
The Verdict:
We didn't know taking the train could be so difficult back in the Old West. 3:10 to Yuma will not disappoint fans of the genre. It follows the classic Western formula with great performances by Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. Do I see a nomination for any of these vanguard actors? I'd say yes.
Movie Review: This Is Now My Favourite Movie Of All Time
Summary: 5 Stars
Now I will admit something right of the bat before I get into my review. I have only recently seen this movie and turned down a number of opportunities to watch this film simply because it is a western. I will now hold my hands up and say how wrong I was and after seeing the light I have to say, this has now taken over Pulp Fiction as my favourite movie EVER!!! From start to finish this film grabs hold of you and gives you a damn good shaking. The biggest point of this film is the general authenticity of it all. It seeks to give us a western movie for the modern film going generation without alienating those classic Western fans.
The story focuses around rancher Dan Evans, a man who's been struggling to make ends meet and has had his barn destroyed by a man to whom he owes money. One day after heading into the town of Bisbee to seek revenge or to resolve the situation, Dan witnesses a stagecoach robbery led by the infamous outlaw Ben Wade. Wade allows Dan and his two sons on their way but cross paths later in Bisbee when Ben is caught by the local law and Dan is asked to be a part of the escort for a $200 pay. Dan accepts and he now joins the other team to help transport Wade to the city of Conention to catch the 3:10 train to Yuma prison in which he'll be hanged for his crimes.
The way in which the story is told for the time that it takes place comes across as authentic. You can honestly imagine something like this taking place and these types of people existing in this particular time. Aside from the main cast, Ben Wades second in command, Charlie (Ben Foster) is played brilliantly. The callousness combined with the shooting skills make him a genuinely unsavoury character who, at times you really want to be taken down early in the film as I found myself not wanting to see what he'd do to our heroes if he ever caught up to them.
I've never been known as a fan of Crowe's, but alongside Bale he really shines and delivers an intense villain who on the outside appears cruel yet cunning, but we all feel that there's some good inside. I didn't know that this film was a remake from a 1957 film of the same name but from what I've heard it seems to keep true to the original. I will be watching the original soon to see how true it keeps or whether it is something completely different.
All I know is that this film is highly recommended by myself and I promise you'll love it.
Movie Review: What a RIDE! Ten stars! (five for Logan Lerman)
Summary: 5 Stars
Yes, it's a western, a remake, and yes, it's bloody and yes it's so terrific you will want to watch it again right after having finished it the first time.
Perfect acting by everyone. Russell Crowe is given the chance to show his amazing talent, to really dig into it. Christian Bale is marvellous as a father trying to make up for lost chances, finally doing it right.
But to me what struck me most, is the amazing talent of Logan Lerman who plays C. Bale's son. I have never before watched such a stunning performance by a 14 year old. No matter if he's in close up or riding a horse in the background, he's always focussed. Perfect!!!
Also the bad guys, most of all Ben Foster, are such dirtbags, you really wouldn't want to meet them. Neither in the dark nor the light.
Perfectly directed by James Mangold with a constant change in pace, great lighting, perfect composure - what is there left to say, I'm in awe!!!
One thing to reality: the bad guys somehow walk through almost any gunfight unhurt. Especially in the shootout scene at the end, there are many opportunities for Bale to finish off the meanest of the gang. Strangely enough he never gets the idea. Also when they are attacked by the Apaches, nobody puts out the fire which makes them the easiest target.
This is what makes it a five star movie, not more (with 5 extras for Logan Lerman). It's Hollywood, not real life.
As to the story: Based on a terrific short story by the great Elmore Leonhard, Christian Bale is Dan Evans, a poor rancher with a wife and two kids. He needs money badly to hold on to his farm. So he agrees to help out in getting Ben Wade, a captured outlaw (Russell Crowe) onto the train to Yuma. Amidst all the action (involving Crow's gang, dirty businessmen, a handful Apaches, Chinese railroad workers, a sexy singer, Peter Fonda as an avenging bounty hunter) you have the psychological dialogue/duel between the good (Bale) and the evil (Crowe).
As they get closer, they discover that in their hearts they are not so different after all. Both have their dark sides and the good. Which is going to win, and with whom? Will Wade have mercy with the farmer or will Evans give in to the money that is being offered to him in case he would give up the fight for justice?
BluRay? YES, YES and YES!!! Marvellous, sound, sharpness, depth, color, shadows, detail.
A terrific film!