Comments on a Yuma Screening

Thanks to Ivani:

From the poster MorwynL at IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381849/board/thread/77163883?d=77318959&p=1#77318959
I can give you a super fast review:
It was awesome. *Everyone* in the theater enjoyed it. Lots of good action sequences, but supported by an excellent, character-driven plot. A pleasently surprising amount of humor. Crowe was wonderful as the devilishly charming but still ruthless and vicious Wade, while Bale brought a subtle pathos to the downtrodden everyman Evans just trying to do right for his family.
A great film all around, and I can't wait for it to be released so I can see it again, and bring all my family and friends.

From Straighttovideo at IMDB:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0381849/board/flat/77163883?p=2
Okay, but there has to be moratorium on complaining about spoilers at some point. I mean, it's not like you're spoiling details of the new M. Night movie or something where it all hinges on a plot device. It's a fairly old story that has already had 2 successful incarnations. Telling you who dies and who doesn't really shouldn't constitute a spoiler 50 years after the fact.
Also, if you've ever seen a western, you know how this one goes for the most part. Shane: Redux for much of it. Mixed with a little bit of Giant and Unforgiven.

From Jeffrey Well´s blog, comments from Scott Mendelson:
http://hollywood-elsewhere.com/archives/2007/06/310_to_yuma_tra.php
I just got back from a test screening, and I can vouch that it's a very good, solid little western (better than Sephraham Falls, about as good as The Proposition, but not as good as Open Range). The cast is all well and good, the action is well staged, and it's just a damn good movie. It won't win Oscars, but it's high quality studio entertainment (it's good to know Lionsgate puts that Saw money to good use sometimes).

from Pieries at IMDB:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0381849/board/flat/77163883?p=2
I have to say; it's always cool when you are the FIRST AUDIENCE in the COUNTRY to see the movie! ok people, here it is;

No denying one thing. The acting by ALL players were spot on! Every actor fit the character they were playing.

Bale was as USUAL is affective playing the altruistic and passionate father Dan Evans, who reveals it isn't easy to be a role model while 'stand to ones guns', Intense with emotion.
Crowe as USUAL is a pleasure to watch as the carefree-vicious-witty Ben Wade, who is as smart as he is tough, but has respect for the righteous-strong types. Just the right amount of arrogance to be an enjoyable villain/anti-hero.
Ben Foster was the surprise performance to me. All his recent roles in BIG TROUBLE,PUNISHER, X-MEN were quite forgettable. But this was his first 'adult' role; a true coldhearted, bearded, dual gunslinging, badass.
Logan Lerman was believable playing the son torn between loyalty to his hardworking father and his admiration for the infamous gangster. This just might be his launch to staring roles.

The story is well paced; giving time for the characters to interact, grow and become relevant. The plot is thought out, smart move on keeping to a few characters. The action is good, but it could have had some better gunfights(some more choreographed effects). Should have at least had ONE CLASSIC STANDOFF!!! the setting & costumes are suitable; dusty to match the badlands. the actors look dirty right throughout, goes with tone of the movie. The ending was a bit too sanctimonious but worked well.

I can't compare this to the original cause i never saw it, but it didn't feel like an modern western, and thats NOT a compliment. One has to watch this as a drama with action thrown in; atleast that's the impression i got from the directing of James Mangold(COPLAND, WALK THE LINE, GIRL INTERRUPTED). The action ain't no TOMBSTONE, the gunfights/music ain't no GOOD,BAD,UGLY but it's still good. Very Character driven story, but with recent movies like SERAPHIM FALLS and THE PROPOSTION, this should have had a more western feel. I miss the Spagettii Westerns of old.

Being a Bale fan i couldn't help but imagine the roles reversed so he was playing the villian and Crowe was playing the Protagonist. Bale has only played a villain in SHAFT(fun but not great). But these guys are so talented they could have played either role flawlessly. overall a good watch guys, enjoy! a solid 8/10