When it comes to tales of the wild wild west Hollywood has seen its share of them.

It would be impossible to try and count all the movies there are about gun slingers, bandits, dirty sheriffs, and even dirty rail road contractors.

Although, there are a few movies who stand out amongst the pack most have been reworked imaginations of a more successful film or just plain old bad ideas from the get go. Luckily for us the recent release of “3:10 to Yuma” staring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale is far from bad, even though it is reworked. In keeping with Tinsel Towns newfound amazement with remaking old classics “3:10 to Yuma” is a remake, albeit a very good one.

This is largely thanks to the films two main stars. Russell Crowe once again proves why he is one of the finest actors of this generation as he easily captures the essence of Ben Wade, the malevolent bank robber and gunslinger he portrays in the film.

Christian Bale’s performance as Dan Evans, a down on his luck farmer and civil war veteran desperately in need of money to keep his land, only furthers the point that he is more than the caped crusader that helped launch him to success.

Coupled with this is the great supporting cast. Ben Foster, who played Angel in X-Men: The Last Stand, is perfect as the loyal but blood thirsty co-captain to Ben Wades gang of outlaws.

On the story side of things “3:10 to Yuma” does not fail to disappoint. Truly, the story of a man desperate for money and the respect of his family who decides to risk it all and help transport a famous bank robber to his judgment train is a nice change from the revenge driven storylines westerns are often associated with.

Mix this in with the likeable, although villainous portrayal of Ben Wade and the movie rounds out nicely. Of course a western wouldn’t be a western without gun fights, and 3:10 has them in abundance.

From the spectacular stage coach robbery that helps open the film, to the gut wrenching shoot out ending 3:10 packs a punch. But don’t get me wrong, this movie isn’t all about flying bullets. Dialogue plays a major part in the film.

Crowe is well known for his ability to improvise lines with ease, and Bale has history deep rooted in independent films.

The way the two stars go back and forth, trading memorable lines with each other and the rest of the cast turns 3:10 into more than your average foray into old west.

But, let me slow down. All is not well with this movie. The ending did not exactly match up well. It felt like a departure from the rest of the film, which flowed so well. By the end of the film you not sure who to root for because the film, unlike most westerns, doesn’t deal in black and white.

The characters live life in the gray area and all have good and bad sides, but the ending tries to force you into picking sides and making the characters one dimensional. The whole thing felt like the film tried to have it’s cake and eat it to.

A little tweak in the ending and the film would’ve been perfect, although this point is easily forgiven thanks to the overall quality of the film.