Worth A Matinee or Full-Price Ticket: Matinee. Unless you absolutely love Westerns, then "3:10 to Yuma" should be seen before night falls.
Will I Own It On DVD: Uncertain. I definitely won't buy this when it first arrives on DVD, however, I might pick it up if it goes on sale for $7.99 at Best Buy like some movies tend to do after awhile. 
1) Most moviegoers either like Westerns or can't stand them. I understand both types of people, but I fall in the former category - at least for Westerns that rise above the basic genre to display excellent credentials like "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," "Tombstone," and "Unforgiven." I wouldn't place "3:10 to Yuma" in the same category as those films. 
2) Overrall, this was a solid piece of filmmaking, acting and action in every way, but I was still disappointed due to the amount of talent involved in the process. I just expect more from a movie that boasts the talents of Russell Crowe and Christian Bale.
3) In the acting match-up, I would have to give the nod to Crowe over Bale, but just by a few inches. Bale spends a majority of the movie looking pained (or vaguely constipated), while Crowe plays the outlaw with hidden depths (is there ever any other kind)with good humor. Both actors have fine moments, however, I favor Crowe because he just has more weight in every scene versus Bale, who sometimes appears flat or a bit too reserved.
4) In a supporting role, Peter Fonda does a surprisingly good job as a Pinkerton, who has a history with Crowe's band of outlaws. Luke Wilson is less successful, and his slacker-ish persona simply appears out of place in the Old West.
5) Nearly every great Western has a climatic final scene that can make or break the film. "3:10 to Yuma" has an above-average finale, but for some reason, it didn't give me the usual jolt that the all-time Westerns possess. This is mostly due to the sudden overhwhelming sentimentality that overtakes it, and lessens the appeal.
All in all, "3:10 to Yuma" is a solid addition to the Western genre with top-notch acting talent which helps raise a mediocre plot above its roots. The film isn't good enough to crossover and draw in movie fans who don't care for this genre, but if you're prone to liking this type of project, you won't be too disappointed with the results.
-BDS
I fall into the hate westerns category, BUT I loved Unforgiven after being dragged to see it. I will probably pass on spending money at the theater since I never get to go out to the theater much. Heard russell crowe and Christian Bale were amazing though. also heard some new movie with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe is suppose to be amazing. you let me know.
I generally don't like westerns either, but the three you mentioned are good. I also think Christian Bale can be hit or miss at times with his acting...
Vivavavoom - Unforgiven was an excellent picture, and was able to surpass the genre by leaps & bounds. The movie you're talking about is American Gangster, and I'm definitely going to catch it when it comes out in November.
Jlee - Bale is always dedicated, but sometimes I find him a bit distant.
I don't generally like them, except for the Unforgiven... but that was mostly Clint, not the era.
And, I really don't "get" C.Bale. Oh wait, he's no Clint. Maybe that's why.
Once again i've never even heard of this film LOL. Do you get your movie review list from Burma haha.
Anonymous Boxer - It's hard to top, especially in the Western genre as he's just a bad-ass. Bale is a bit dodgy for me too.
Miss Ash - Movie news must travel slowly north of the border. Ha. Maybe there's just a time delay as this one just opened Friday in the States. It's lucky I keep you up on these type of things.
I may have to rent this one. I love westerns: High Plains Drifter, Silverado, The Quick and the Dead. You probably remember that Russell Crowe was in The Quick and the Dead, which made up for having to watch Sharon Stone.
Wendy - Good films that you mentioned, and yes, I was watching 'Yuma' and thinking that I should rent 'Quick' as it's been a long time since I saw that. DiCaprio was in that too - what a strange cast. If you like Westerns, you should definitely rent 'Yuma.'
I love a good western... but there just aren't too many of them out there. I dislike ANY mediocre movie. I'm not patient enough to sit through the same tired archetyes being re-written and half-enthusiastically played. "Is there any other kind?" How true. And I don't need to see the depth to know how deep it runs.
Sam Pekinpah would not be pleased. Remember the Wild Bunch? "The land had changed. They hadn't. The earth had cooled. They couldn't." Classic.
You're right on all accounts, and life's too short for mediocrity (sp?) in any field. The Wild Bunch - classic. It raised the bar very high.
I thought this was a decent film. Funny, I liked Bale's performance just a little better than Crowe's. They were both pretty solid. My favorite character was Charlie, Ben Foster was a great bad ass. I think this will be a strong rental.
You're dead-right about Foster, I just didn't have any more room for my thoughts as I limit myself to 5 & wanted to mention Fonda. Ha.
The Crowe/Bale thing was close, however, I just thought Bale spent far too much time looking like he was in pain (although you could argue that Crowe spent too much time looking smug).