Underwhelming and Offbeat Account on the Historical Event

Rating: 6/10 (13 September 2004)

I expected something more from this disappointing, futile take on the siege of the Alamo; especially since this is the 21st century, with all of the technical effects available to enhance everything say, the 1960 version might have lacked. I was really looking forward to this film back in December, before its release date was pushed ahead to April, which really had me wondering, "Why the change; Is this film a disaster?" I eventually found myself in dismay, scratching my head and wondering, "Is this the best they could have done?" The film lacks important focus, the patriotic, spirited mood of the heroism inside the monument I had perceived in History class; in fact, you can hardly follow the characters from Jim Bowie to Davy Crockett, because the dialogue and their significance in the story is so minor and detached, that you just assume Davy Crockett was a regular figure among the men at the Alamo. The editing is hurried and somewhat disturbing; scarcely is one scene focused upon for more than five seconds, and thus, the entire mood of the film is diminished and you are left merely waiting for some action. Once the siege begins, while some scenes are quite effective (e.g. when the Texan nobly places himself in the line of fire and scores a "hit"), we are so tired of the lifeless story and dull dialogue that we merely yawn at the fate of the men in the Alamo. We hardly care what happens or who wins, because the story is so dragging and uninvolving, and other elements which could have spicened the mood of the story (e.g. direction, dialogue, and editing) are so melancholy, and you find yourself glancing constantly at your watch, waiting anxiously for the end. If not for the effective, if historically inaccurate, ending of the San Jacinto siege, this entire film would be one big downer and a complete waste of two hours. I might also mention the standout Billy Bob Thornton, who gives his best to zest the legendary Davy Crockett, even if the lifeless screenplay restricts him from truly excelling in this performance. A flawed, ultimately futile production, with a few interesting elements to keep it from completely collapsing. ** out of ****