Remake of the 1957 classic western pits legendary outlaw Ben Wade (Crowe) against rancher Dan Evans (Bale) in a battle that's as much about psychology as it is gunplay. Crippled by war injury and battling a drought, Evans struggles to keep his ranch and the respect of his wife (Mol) and son (Lerman). When Wade is captured mid-crime spree, Evans joins the posse that will transport him to the titular train. Wade quickly recognizes the weaknesses of the men guarding him and turns them to his advantage, leaving Evans to defend himself and his son against Wade's madman second-in command Charlie Prince (Foster, in a career-making role). Masterfully explores the grey area between good and bad, and Mangold infuses the genre with a level of energy and excitement that hasn't been seen in a western in a while.
I wouldn't have believed it possible... Tom at 2008-03-12 13:44:05
This is maybe the best western ever to not include Clint Eastwood. In fact, it beats some Eastwood ones (3 Mules for Sister Sara, I'm looking at you). The movie starts out very well done, but the ending brings it all back home. A classic on the level of the greatest movies in the genre.