3:10 to Yuma

This is an instant classic by filmmaker James Mangold. This is one of the overlooked films of the year and should get more award consideration than it has. Brilliantly acted by Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Ben Foster and others, the film modernizes the western in a way that isnt forced or pulled. It is a very successful film made by genre-playing. The film puts under question "morality", "courage" and "heroism" in a way that only a "Western" can tell. It does have some minor flaws, but it doesnt ruin anything. I'm very happy that a film can change my perception of a genre and make me interested. This is a very underrated script and the acting is superb. This is another very good film this year. I love films that take these kinds of risks. This film year has a lot of depth. 3:10 to Yuma, Juno, Into the Wild, American Gangster, Eastern Promises, Once, La Vie en Rose has created a very good season so far and all these films are very different.

Grade: A-