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Created Jan 19, 2008 04:27PM PST • Edited Dec 17, 2016 10:58PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   A traditional Western presented with richly modern production values, 3:10 to Yuma fails to satisfy due to an ultimately silly story and run-of-the-mill performances.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Hardly one of Russell Crowe’s greatest performances, but then again, he doesn’t seem to have a bad performance in him. Christian Bale, a celebrated actor by many, just doesn’t move me.

   Several other performances are quite strong, especially Peter Fonda as a crusty old bounty hunter.

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Very Good 3.5

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

   Peter Fonda has reached the Walter Brennan stage of his career.

10. Film

    OK 2.5

    The anachronistic story ultimately makes little sense: it is hard to believe that the arch villain would enthusiastically participate in his own capture. The Stockholm Effect may be real, but not when applied to hardened criminals.

11. Direction OK 2.5

    James Mangold, who did such a terrific job directing Walk the Line, fails to impress here.

12. Play Barely OK 2.0

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.6

17. Sex Innocent 1.5

18. Violence Fierce 1.6

19. Rudeness Salty 1.7

21. Reality

    Glib 1.5

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.9

23. Biological Glib 1.7

24. Physical Natural 1.0