MANILA, Philippines?The western movie genre isn?t dead yet. In fact, as ?3:10 to Yuma? shows, it?s very much alive! Based on a short story by Elmore Leonard, this James Mangold-directed film is a remake of a 1957 classic.

Whether or not Mangold?s revisioning compares favorably to the original is something that those of us who haven?t seen the latter won?t be able to judge, but if the original surpasses the remake, then the latter would be a darn good movie, indeed.

Outlaws

The story of ?3:10 to Yuma? is arresting in its apparent simplicity. Set in rough and tumble Arizona during the latter half of the 19th century, the tale revolves around two men?Dan Evans, a struggling rancher, and Ben Wade, the notorious head of a gang of outlaws.

Wade is captured in the town of Bisbee and Evans, desperate for money, agrees to help transport him to the train that will take him to prison?and, eventually, to the scaffold. The only problem is, while Wade may be in chains, his gang isn?t!

The movie is based on a short story, which doubtless accounts for the spareness of its plot. This leanness, as well as the psychological tension that lies beneath the film?s austere surface, is what gives the production its very real quality?it feels genuine!

Like the best Westerns, it goes beyond depicting violence for violence?s sake, and deals?subtly?with morality and the apparent fragility of what we call civilization. (But, some scenes could have benefited from more rigorous editing.)

Dimensions

The movie is able to have these dimensions primarily because of the performances of its two leads-Christian Bale (as Evans) and Russell Crowe (as Wade). Evans is intense, brooding and upright, while Wade is smooth, cunning and ultimately deadly?it?s a dynamic that is simply compelling to watch.

What?s more, they ?wear? their roles as though they?ve been playing them all their lives, with every movement and nuance looking natural (it becomes even more impressive when you consider the fact that Bale is Welsh and Crowe is a New Zealand native).

The rest of the cast strive to match the leads? understated, but forceful portrayals?for instance, outstanding performances are given by Ben Foster and Peter Fonda. Foster plays Charlie Prince, Wade?s unswervingly loyal?and truly scary?lead henchman, and it?s hard to look away from him when he?s onscreen. Fonda is authoritative as the stoic and grizzled Byron McElroy, a Pinkerton bounty hunter who?s after Wade?s head.

Elements

Peopled by the usual elements you?d expect in Westerns, from clapboard towns to desperadoes, and from railroad men and to Apaches, the film is set in familiar cinematic territory.

But, it is enhanced by the evocative and austere cinematography of Phedon Papamichael. As this modern version proves, Westerns aren?t on their last legs yet?especially if they make ?em as good as this!