3:10 To Yuma is yet another remake, but thankfully, this one works like a charm. Based on the 1957 film of the same name (a classic which also inspired director James Mangold to make the stunning Copland). This gritty, exhilarating western features Christian Bale as Dan Evans, a poor rancher whose only goal in life is to provide for his family. When Evans comes on hard times, he agrees, for a price, to escort the ruthless (and murderous) Ben Wade (played by bad boy Russell Crowe) to the town of Contention where he will await the 3:10 train to Yuma. Once in Yuma, Wade will finally meet his maker.

Along the treacherous journey to the town of Contention, Evans and Wade soon discover they have more in common than they once thought. 3:10 to Yuma is a gorgeous film, and while it was a given that this movie would be a character driven piece, it also emerges as one of the best action films of the year. Bale delivers a quiet but masterful performance while Crowe chews scenery as the heavy. It is Ben Foster, however, who steals the show as Crowe's guard dog of a right hand man.

Foster exudes a swagger and playfulness that deserves to be recognized come awards season. 3:10 to Yuma's anti-violent message comes through loud and clear without beating it over the audience's head, and the final moments of this film reminded me a bit of the closing frames of Sam Mendes' brilliant Road To Perdition. At it's heart though, this is really a movie about loyalty. 3:10 to Yuma is high amongst the strongest films of the year and I can't wait to see it again.