3:10 to Yuma

While the Western's long-anticipated comeback hasn't materialized, every now and then some ambitious filmmaker turns out an impressive example of the genre. 3:10 to Yuma is the best horse opera to come down the trail since Open Range, although it bears only partial resemblance to its ostensible inspiration, a 1953 pulp-magazine yarn written by Elmore Leonard, as the film draws equally from the classic 1957 3:10 to Yuma starring Glenn Ford and Van Heflin. Desperately needing money, rancher Dan Evans (Christian Bale) takes a job transporting notorious felon Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) to Yuma for imprisonment. With his coldhearted henchman Charlie Prince (Ben Foster) riding in pursuit to effect a rescue, Wade tries to slow his captors' progress, while also tempting the rancher with the promise of more money. Director James Mangold displays an affinity for Westerns here in a film that is staged and shot with a keen eye for what's essential. The excellent supporting cast includes Gretchen Mol as Dan's long-suffering wife, Peter Fonda as a grizzled bounty hunter, and Alan Tudyk as a doctor eager for adventure. Preposterous climax aside, 3:10 to Yuma offers fine edge-of-the-seat entertainment that is sure to please the most demanding Western fan, and many others as well. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary with director James Mangold, the 21-minute “making-of” featurette “Destination Yuma,” a 13-minute featurette on “Outlaws, Gangs and Posses,” seven deleted scenes (9 min.), “An Epic Explored” featurette on the Western genre (6 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a fine Western.] (E. Hulse)