3:10 TO YUMA
RYAN: We are normally not lovers of the Western genre, but I must say “3:10 To Yuma” is an outstanding film.
CAROLINE: Honey, let’s be real – if Christian Bale’s in it, I’m there.
RYAN: I love him too, and he so easily adopts the voice and character of an American cowboy in this film. I was truly amazed by his performance.
CAROLINE: And he’s Welsh by trade! I do know that he does a killer American accent from back when he was in 2002’s “Laurel Canyon.” I think he’s my second favorite after Clive Owen.
RYAN: Russell Crowe also gives a very strong performance. I was kind of surprised by him.
CAROLINE: Hello? He’s an Oscar winner for God’s sakes. Of course he’s gonna be good.
RYAN: One of my personal favorites, the Hottie McHot Ben Foster is also in this movie, but sadly he looks heinous. He is anything but hot in this movie except for his eyes, which are intense and glowing.
CAROLINE: I was unable to see this with you so tell me; what was so good about “3:10 To Yuma”?
RYAN: Well, it’s from the director of “Walk the Line,” James Mangold, who won an Oscar for Reese Witherspoon, and he really knows how to get the best performances out of his actors. This movie is a remake of a Western from 1957, but they made a ton of changes to the plot. The new version is really updated and it’s very much a modern film, but without any kind of special effects to make it seem modern. It’s the most exciting Western I’ve ever seen.
CAROLINE: LBH, it’s the only Western you’ve ever seen.
RYAN: That may be true. But overall, it’s a great story. It’s a real morality tale, and I was totally caught up in the throes of the suspense and wondering what was going to happen. You really feel it and connect to it. Good storytelling gets me every time.
CAROLINE: Am I smelling an Oscar nod for Christian or Russell?
RYAN: Totally. And maybe the director too. And the kid who plays Christian Bale’s son is also really good. There is another star who also does great job who was a surprise to me because I didn’t even know he was in this movie. I won’t reveal it though.
CAROLINE: Is there one woman in this film?
RYAN: Gretchen Mol. She’s fine, but women are wasted in these kinds of films. Dallas Roberts is in it too, and he’s great.
CAROLINE: We loved him in “Joshua” earlier this year. Bottom line?
RYAN: This movie is entertaining and incredibly well made. The cinematography is great and it’s definitely the quality of film we can expect from a director of this caliber. And with these performances, it’s a home run. Even if you don’t like Westerns, you’ll love it.