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In need of money because the developing railroad is about to boot him and his family from their land, Dan (Christian Bale) agrees to help escort known murderer Ben (Russell Crowe) across the desert to a train headed for Yuma prison.

Big question: Can big-time star power revive the genre and make this remake of the 1957 movie different from any other Western?

Catch it: The presence of two great actors already puts a few points in the win column, and "3:10 to Yuma" rolls along efficiently like a wagon with finely tuned wheels. There's not much suspense to be gained in such familiar territory, but director James Mangold ("Walk the Line") executes the shoot-outs capably enough to keep you concerned about who's still standing.

Skip it: If you huff and puff after even a few seconds of light jogging. Check out how fluidly Dan moves on one leg!

Bottom line: A worthy and exciting entry into a genre that wraps the majority of its movies in a similar-looking package, "3:10 to Yuma" only loses credibility when Ben stays with Dan even when it seems like he could easily get away. But Bale, his face full of desperation, and Crowe, dangerous and smarter than anyone else on a saddle, hold it together as a story of the understanding and respect that can spark an almost-friendship out of an honest man and a criminal.

Bonus: Mothers everywhere will enjoy the shout-out from Ben, who says, "Even bad men love their mommas." It's also sure to be Hallmark's best-selling card for the next Mother's Day!

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