All aboard the '3:10 to Yuma'

Even though the train in the film never pulls into Yuma, local moviegoers were eager to see the remake of the classic Western "3:10 to Yuma," which hit theaters Friday.

Yuma's theaters celebrated the movie's local ties, even though none of its scenes were filmed, or even set, in Yuma itself.

The title refers to a train that is scheduled to take outlaw Ben Wade to the Yuma Territorial Prison - if a group of lawmen and an ordinary rancher can survive bringing him in.

Main St. Cinemas held a special screening at 6 p.m. Friday, with re-enactors portraying period outlaws and lawmen to set the mood for the Western.

Henry Sabori, manager of Main St. Cinemas, said there was a steady flow of people into the morning and afternoon showings Friday, with a larger crowd expected that evening. He said they had presold several seats to the evening shows, though he could not give out exact ticket sales.

Officials at Harkins Theatres' corporate office in Phoenix could not be reached for comment, but the 3:10 p.m. show Friday there was nearly full, with longer lines expected as the evening wore on.

"3:10 to Yuma" tells the story of a cash-strapped rancher who offers to escort an infamous outlaw to a train bound to the prison in Yuma.

The original film came out in 1957, starring Glenn Ford and Van Heflin.

The remake stars Russell Crowe as Ben Wade, the outlaw, and Christian Bale as Dan Evans, the rancher.

It is the work of director James Mangold. One of his last big movies was "Walk the Line."

It remains to be seen how well "3:10" will do over the box-office weekend but it has opened to generally favorable review, scoring an 83 percent "fresh" rating at www.rottentomatoes.com, a Web site that rates movies based on the number of positive reviews from critics around the country.

Sarah Reynolds can be reached at sreynolds@yumasun.com or 539-6847

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REVIEW BY SARAH REYNOLDS

Much has been said about the lack of actual Yuma connections in the film "3:10 to Yuma."

While it was set in the Arizona Territory, the main characters never set foot in Yuma and viewers never see the 3:10 p.m. train (which is late, by the way) arrive there. Filming was done in New Mexico.

Still, this city plays a pivotal role in the plot.

In the film, Yuma is life-or-death driving force. For the hero, down-on-his-luck pioneer Dan Evans (Christian Bale), it means a $200 reward to keep his ranch going if he can deliver an outlaw to the 3:10 train bound for the Yuma Territorial Prison.

For outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe), Yuma means a jail cell and death by a hangman's noose.

"3:10" centers on their journey from Bisbee to that fateful train in the company of a wounded Pinkerton operative (Peter Fonda), the veterinarian brought along to tend him (Alan Tudyk) and a railroad operative played by Dallas Roberts. Later, they are joined by Evans' son (Logan Lerman), whose conflict with the father he perceives as a failure creates the most relatable and poignant relationship in the movie.

They make their way through conflicts ranging from Apaches to Wade's gang, to the psychological battle waged against them by Wade himself as he tries to escape to freedom.

I have never seen the original "3:10" so I cannot offer a comparison. As for this movie, it was an excellent example of the Western genre with solid performances, particulary from Bale. It's appropriately gritty and violent. Parents should definitely be aware of the R-rating. But it's not as bad as many action movies in that regard.

Wherever filming may have taken place, "3:10" does offer a look at the post-Civil War town of Bisbee and beautifully filmed desert vistas that evoke a time when Apaches were still holding on to their land and the railroad was being cut through the canyons of our state. On that level, it does give viewers a local connection that adds to its entertainment value.

Sarah Reynolds can be reached at sreynolds@yumasun.com or 539-6847.

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REVIEW BY NICOLE SQUIBBS:

Yuma is a famous movie star.

Well, its name is, at least.

"3:10 to Yuma" refers to the train which will take bad boy Ben Wade (Russell Crowe of "Cinderella Man") to the Yuma Territorial Prison, where he is informed he will face death and hell.

The movie is a remake of a 1957 movie with the same name and is set in Arizona in the late 1800s, but it was filmed in New Mexico by producing/writing/directing team Cathy Konrad and James Mangold (“Walk the Line"), according to www.comingsoon.net.

Outlaw Wade has killed many during his career of stealing money from wagons transporting it from the Southern Railroad. He's finally caught when he spends too much time in Bisbee wooing a woman after his latest escapade.

Dan Evans (Christian Bale of "Batman Begins") is a rancher struggling to keep from losing his failing land to the railroad and because of this is not a hero to his sons. He's also a Civil War veteran who lost part of his leg while serving - but how it happened is a mystery.

After witnessing a crime and taking an injured man to Bisbee, Evans sees a chance to make much-needed money to clear his debts and save his farm by helping to escort Wade to the train to Yuma, which is leaving from Contention City, now a

ghost town in Cochise County, according to www.ghosttowns.com.

Although it's a Western, which usually guarantees I will zone out during chase/shoot 'em up scenes, I thought the pace moved fairly quickly and was interesting enough to hold my attention (although it was about a two-hour movie).

Wade and Evans come to form an unusual bond as they both gain insight into each other's lives and motivations - the most compelling part of the movie.

Crowe usually annoys me, but I found him engaging in this role. Bale is very good looking - despite the fact his teeth were yellowed, and his complexion was roughened to simulate life in the Old West.

Ben Foster, who played a geek in HBO's "Six Feet Under" TV series, was nearly unrecognizable as Wade's righthand man, Charlie Prince, a super-quick draw who is absolutely heartless, but loyal to Wade.

There's a twist at the end, lots of shooting, blood, horseback riding, fighting and bonding - along with a little bit of romance and some humorous lines thrown in for good measure, and Yuma's name is uttered a handful of times.

Welcome to the movies, Yuma.

Nicole Squibbs can be reached at nsquibbs@yumasun.com or 539-6855.

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WANNA GO TO PRISON?

33.10 and the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park are giving away 10 free passes to the prison and movie tickets to the film. Take the prison quiz in this week's 33.10 and drop off entries at The Sun to be entered into a random drawing for the prizes.