3:10 to Yuma

In 1957, audiences were introduced to poor rancher Dan Evans (then played by Van Heflin) and the number-one outlaw of the land, Ben Wade (Glenn Ford), in Delmer Daves’ original. Evans has to feed his family, but the poor harvest and weather aren't doing him any favours – and, as Wade has been captured, a volunteer is needed to escort him to the town of Contention, to put him onboard the 3:10 train to Yuma jail, hence the title. Evans signs up – and the fun begins.

The remake by James Mangold (Walk the Line (2005)) sees Russell Crowe and Christian Bale as villain and captor – two high-profile actors sharing top billing. Crowe gives a very good performance as Wade, demonstrating a range of emotions that give real authenticity to his character, offering glimpses of vulnerability beneath the brutality. Bale also delivers a winning, versatile performance as the rancher who, in desperation is risking his life to sustain his family - a noble but broken man who, after being stepped on for too long wants to change the way he is perceived by his children and his wife Alice (Gretchen Mol).

Frequently, when a film features two powerhouse actors, things can degenerate into two egos doing battle for screen time, but that’s not the story here. Both actors approach their roles with conviction, complementing each other excellently. Their efforts are supported by dialogue that is smart and witty and a supporting cast that is just off-kilter enough and peppered with barely recognizable character actors, such as Peter Fonda as a grizzled bounty hunter. With cinematography as rousing as the performances, the film breathes new life into a somewhat moribund genre that is nevertheless still one that Americans do best.

122 mins.

Maradona by Kusturica

Acclaimed Sarajevo-born director Emir Kusturica (Zavet (2007), Zivot je cudo (2004)) turns his attention to one of football’s most successful cheats (sorry, revealing my own national bias there), Diego Armando Maradona.

It’s unfortunately true that the Argentinean player (whose retirement has been blighted by weight and drug problems) was also (possibly) the greatest player in the modern game – and he does make for an interesting subject. Kusturica’s obvious admiration for the man comes close to swamping the film at times, but this is still an entertaining, amusing, sometimes sad look at the life behind the legend.

90 mins.

Sex and the City

Oh, really, must you? I suppose you must – the life, loves and sex and fashion-lives of the very popular TV show can now be enjoyed in all their big-screen glory, as Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), successful author and everyone's favorite fashion icon-next-door, narrate her own stories and those of her three close friends Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon).

The stories concern Carrie's handsome yet elusive Mr. Big (Chris Noth), who finds himself buying a luxurious penthouse and popping the question; Miranda's down-to-earth and sweet yet simple husband Steve (David Eigenberg) whose indiscretion causes great drama;  Harry (Evan Handler), Charlotte's dependable and loving beau and Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis), an actor and client of Samantha's who's also her devoted lover.

Parker, however, is the real pivot for this fun frolic – yes, I suppose it is fun, fair enough - and kudos to director Michael Patrick King, who has managed to successfully transfer the TV series’ sensibilities – if you like that kind of thing – but the running time (well over two hours) may stretch even the most devoted fan’s patience a little. Or not. What do I know, anyway?

148 mins.

 James Drew

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(expatica 2008)