3:10 to Yuma
Caught this movie at 11am today. I really enjoyed this departure from the classical Shane-ish main hero who so often defines old westerns. These days, we see western protagonists as deeply-flawed characters, and Christian Bale's farmer/father figure is one of the best. Some of the revelations about his past are stunning. As the story progresses, one starts to consider how bad Bale's character has it, and ponders how this wretched man can possibly emerge victorious from the terrible circumstances he's landed himself in.
The ending was the most radical departure from a western that I've ever seen. You'd expect the classic "shoot out," but you won't get it. Needless to say, it's the best and most unexpected part of the film.
On a final note, I really enjoyed the performanced of the main villain's sidekick, Charlie Prince, who looked familiar, though I couldn't be sure. As for Russell Crowe, who played Ben Wade, the villain, I felt he never accurately explained his own motivations.
The ending was the most radical departure from a western that I've ever seen. You'd expect the classic "shoot out," but you won't get it. Needless to say, it's the best and most unexpected part of the film.
On a final note, I really enjoyed the performanced of the main villain's sidekick, Charlie Prince, who looked familiar, though I couldn't be sure. As for Russell Crowe, who played Ben Wade, the villain, I felt he never accurately explained his own motivations.