Great Movie

Rating: 10/10 (30 August 2006)

A truly great film. Sure it has flaws as does every film ever made, but nothing worthy of such criticism. To compare it to John Wayne's version is meaningless - both are good in their own way. However, this latest installment is by far the best. The pains the creators went through to be as historically accurate as possible is nothing short or great. This film was beautifully shot and had many great moments like the approach of the Mexican army during the final assault. When Billy Bob Thronton peers over the wall into the darkness and sees hundreds of Mexicans nearly at the fort's wall it's both chilling and wonderfully done - it is quite possibly one of the greatest scenes in movie history. What the real Alamo defenders really thought and felt at that moment none of us will never know, but how the film was shot gives us some basic insight into the terror they felt knowing they were about to die a violent and horrible death. And how can anyone be unmoved by Crockett playing his fiddle along with the Mexican army and then saying "it's amazing what a little harmony can do." Or when the spirit of Crockett plays his fiddle at the Alamo after being revenged. This movie is full of very well-done scenes and lines like this. I wasn't much interested in Billy Bob Thronton's work before this movie or even recall having seen him in anything, but he earned my respect with his performance - he was that good. But while Thronton stood out in my mind, each actor was great. The fact that the actors felt a strong emotional attachment to this film was obvious. Thus, how anyone can find fault with this movie is beyond me. It's a great film about great men (although flawed like us all) and the ultimate sacrifice they made. I find it very disappointing to read some comments which say, "well, there wasn't enough action," or, "the characters weren't well developed," or whatever; all I can figure is those people saw a different film or are trying to somehow convince us they have some sort of unique insight and to that I say BS. This is a high-quality film with high-quality actors that I consider one of the greatest films ever made. If you didn't like it then go back to watching garbage like "Dude Where's My Car," or "American Pie" as you'll be better able to relate to that mindless crap. I guess a film that requires some thought and appreciation of great acting and production that doesn't rely so heavily on graphic violence, nudity, and gross filth, is beyond the intellect of today's average movie goer who will by contrast readily cite the unlimited virtues of such idiotic films as "Jason vs. Freddy," or any of the 100s of B-grade garden-variety teen slasher flicks that totally rely on the big-breasted bimbos and blood-thirsty maniacs to sell tickets - who, even if by some miracle they were able to read this review still wouldn't understand what I'm saying. Thank goodness for movie makers who will risk ridicule to make a good film about something meaningful. Hats off to all of those who were involved in making the Alamo.
Michael Sear