An okay Epic

Rating: 6/10 (25 June 2005)

This particular period epic seems to be the popular one to hit the gong for. I heard nothing but bad reviews and people's nasty comments. I had always looked forward to seeing it regardless because I like historical epics and there has been some less than stellar ones as of late. The Alamo didn't disappoint me at all. In fact I thought it was very heartfelt and real rendition of the circumstances surrounding the infamous battle. John Lee Hancock uses the characters sparingly and makes a movie all about the battle which is really what it's about. Despite there being some significant characters he takes a different approach by not being afraid of making them second to the infamous battle itself.
The Alamo is the historical story of Texas, before it was Texas. The Americans want the land as does the Mexicans and the only thing standing between them is the small fort of The Alamo, a strategically placed, vitally important abandoned mission where a rag tag group of countrymen have been sent to hold up against thousands of Mexican soldiers led by the Mexican leader himself Santa Anna. Among the American group are infamous historical figures Congressman David (Davey Crockett) and Jim Bowie determined to free Texas and make it part of the United States.
The highlight of acting to me in this film is Billy Bob Thorton, a man that I'm not crazy about in his personal life but nonetheless is one hell of an actor. He portrays the now aging Congressman Davey Crockett. He plays the man with such emotion and intensity and as an audience he's the character you feel the most compassion for. He seems wise, and experienced and you can't help but feel like you're in the presence of a legend. Jason Patric also does a good job as the ailing and dying Jim Bowie. He shows strength and hostility as quickly as he shows compassion and weakness. Despite this films apparently numerous historical inaccuracies I still think this film captures this time period and this battle better than most epics do. I think the inaccuracies are ignorable considering the work that Hancock did with the characters and the battle. Despite these characters importance and most of the film spent building them up, he doesn't hesitate to drop them quickly and unemotionally to the spoils of war. It's shocking and makes you snap back when you see someone who has been a main character for the last two hours eliminated in literally seconds. He also focus' in not only on the American side but we see the fear and desperation in the eyes of the Mexican troops. With this different approach to the period piece it does lose a little of what might be dramatic story and therefore does make it drag more than one would like. Also Dennis Quaid, who is one of my favorite actors, is pointless and misused in this film and despite his battle being important, nonetheless feels tacked on and useless by the time it comes around. His character is vapid and has no depth whatsoever. I really do think anyone who loves history or epics will really enjoy watching this. It won't blow you away but there is enough in it to satisfy and I enjoyed watching it.
6/10