Bale and Crowe in Yuma remake

Posted on August 20, 2007
Filed Under Actors, Directors

It’s monday! Finally… Great… Ok, so let’s start the week with some classic, old school wild west news. Empire: Movie News reports that the 50 year old western classic “3:10 To Yuma” has been yanked back into town and is set to ride across our screens once again. James Mangold will helm the remake with a cast led by the likes of Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. Judging from the caliber of the names this could prove to be one brilliant movie.

Crowe stars as captured outlaw Ben Wade, a man who’s set to stand trial for the heinous list of crimes he’s committed throughout his tenure as leader of one of the most murderous gangs in the South. Down-and-out Civil War veteran Dan Evans (Christian Bale) is entrusted with ensuring Wade makes the train to Yuma where he’ll eventually face the judge. Unsurprisingly, their journey is far from smooth. Gretchen Mol, Ben Foster and Peter Fonda also make appearances in the film.

Jake Mangold did a great job with “Walk the Line” (2005) and “Cop Land” (1997) so I’m not worried about his skills as a director/writer. The cast? Well Crowe and Bale and fine actors and I’m sure they’ll do fine. There is a “but” coming… Both Bale and Crowe are a bit moderate or should I say restraint in their acting. Therefore I must issue a dry-acting-warning. Take it easy – I’m not saying they are “bad” actors, on the contrary – they are too good, sometimes almost clinical in their performance.

I wish you all smooth start of the week.

Comments