Product ReviewsThe Alamo (DVD, 2004)

Historical Movie

A well done movie, that tries to stay as close as possible to accepted history while acknowledging some of the controversy. The lead actors all do a good job, with Thorton deservedly getting much of the credit. The writers show us the flaws of the characters: their failed backgrounds, their bigotry, their pride and poor judgement. But also the courage and conviction on both sides (except Santa Anna who really is the only truely unsympathetic character). Also the brutality exercised by both sides in victory is depicted well, and the movie takes pains to show that many hispanic Texicans sided with the Anglos immigrants. One of the best features is the audio commentary handled by the film's historians who solely discuss the history and how accurate the film is. Its obvious that a great deal of effort went into making this an accurate depiction of the events and times as known. The only flaws are due to time constraints several characters are introduced, but never explored and its fairly obvious their plotlines where cut for time. I found that a little jarring. The special effects for the storming of the Alamo seemed to be lacking as well, I got the feeling that was done once the budget was getting squeezed. Finally, I didn't see a reason for the the last act covering the Battle of San Jacinto. It was out of place, generic (horse mounted prebattle speech, combat montage, etc...) and uninspired. And while it accurately reflected the bloodlust of the Texican vengeance I don't know that the actual battle sequence was as accurate as the siege of the Alamo. In any case, I thought it could have been dropped and allowed more time for the Alamo story itself.Read full review...

Deep In The Heart Of Texans...

Having been born a native of Texas, there is no other, more significant icon of Texas history than the Alamo. Much more than a shrine of fallen heroes, it is in fact, THE defining moment of our state's 162 year history. The Alamo envokes legend, but at its core is it's highest virtue: that 186 men, vastly outnumbered, ill equipped and under-supplied, took a stand in defense of an ideal that they upheld as being of much greater value than their own lives. Freedom! Maybe it is the complex story, its interesting characters, or its unresolved mysteries that create such a compelling mystique. Whatever the angle, the Alamo, still stands as one of the bravest battles of our nation's short life.

This new version on DVD is in my opinion, the very best! Its producers have attempted to breath life into Crockett, Bowie, and Travis like no other production ever has, telling as accurately as possible, the true story of the events surrounding those 13 fateful days, and their redemption. Though they knew that relief would not come, these flawed, sometimes larger than life men defended their Texas to the death, and I'm thankful to live in the wake of their sacrifice. Remember the Alamo! Long live their ideals in the hearts of our countrymen!Read full review...

The Alamo (2004)

I bought this DVD a while ago to add to my collection of "historical" movies. I found this movie to be more accurate to the story of the Alamo than the John Wayne version. Although the John Wayne version is very entertaining, this DVD has more background on the families of the three main characters (Travis, Bowie, and Crockett.) It also shows Santa Anna and his army more and the events that lead to his defeat after the Alamo. The sound effects and digital technology really help in bringing out the battle scenes. I recomend this movie to anyone who likes the story of the Alamo or a great "historical" movie.Read full review...

New slant on history

I wanted to see another interpretation of this historical happening. This film is well detailed but it sure is the complete opposite of the John Wayne version! The 1960 film was long and drawn out and rather heavy on character development. But the action scenes make up for it. History buffs will point out this flaw or that, at least in their opinions, but I love the dramatic moments and emotional expressions portrayed in the older version. Also, they are very respectful of the Mexican side of the story as well as the people of Mexico who, I think, were presented in a fair and dignified way. This latter version is darker, more somber, and too many of the scenes are filmed in the dark; which only adds to the depression of the theme. I'm troubled that this film is presented with a completely different slant to the story. It takes away the feeling and pride of heroism that John Wayne was able to convey. On the other hand, even at the time, John Wayne's political speeches were misplaced and, most likely, not historically accurate for the times. But one still gets the feeling that the portrayal of Davy Crockett and the others in this newer version is trying to change our minds and rewrite history of this amazing piece of history. I felt like it was trying to minimize the sacrifices of these men, while promoting a more progressive and cold side to the history. Billy Bob Thornton was fabulous, but it's too bad he had to be shown dying a captive's death instead of a hero's; even if some people believe this might be what really happened to Davy and the others.Read full review...

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Great movie

I didn't like this movie the first three time I watched it 10 years ago. I was expecting fully engaged non stop battles through out the movie right up to spectacular fought to the last man battle. Instead, the movie felt more like well made documentary film with 3 dimensions characters. Now after watching it 4 more times I love the movie. Sam Houston, Jim Bowie ,David Crockett (he didn't like folks calling him Davy) ,and other characters were well played and well represented with depth of humanity and sometimes humility. Well made costumes and period correct ( at least in my untrained eyes) atmosphere renders the movie enjoyable to watch. The film somewhat explained why the Mexican fought and what at stakes and why the Texan fought. I pick up some favorite item from this movie like that big honky knife that Jim Bowie carried (controversial Musso Bowie) ,Mexican' S Deguello sound, and David Crockett 'S Betsy long rifle. Great movie Read full review...

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Remember the Alamo

If you like car chases, bad dialogue and scantily clad women... this is not the movie you are looking for. If you like a story based on history that makes you want to learn more about the subject, watch this movie. You meet the characters and get an insight into their quirks and why they were famous in their time. You see how they thirsted for freedom, desperately struggling to make their own country, "Texas." They weren't Spanish, Scottish, English, etc. They were Texans and they meant business when it came to declaring their freedom. Some were newcomers and others recently arrived, but they all ended up in the Mission Church that became a fortress against Santa Ana and his cut throat army. The battle commenced and the rest is history. Although I am not usually a big fan of Billy Bob Thornton, I really liked his acting as Davy Crocket. The part where Crocket plays his fiddle during the seige touches my soul deeply. (I wonder if ol' Billy Bob can really play the violin.) Dennis Quaid and Jason Patric give fine performances too. I highly recommend this movie if you can pay attention for more than five minutes and you don't have the mind of a gnat. Otherwise, go watch some mindless car chase on TV.
PS battle violence is too strong for any one under age 14.Read full review...

Better than the original

I have both the original John Wayne/Richard Widmark/Lawrence Harvey movie from 1960 and this one - in my opinion this one is better (other than for the fact that Big Sam was MUCH taller than Dennis Quaid.) March 6, is a sacred day in Texas, and I plan to watch this movie every year on that day to commemorate the heroic stand of 183 men (the actual number is a matter of historical debate) who chose to fight and die rather than surrender and walk away with their lives. That spirit lives on in Texas today, at least among those born in Texas. This was a great purchase and I much prefer it to the original because the acting is just SO much better.

Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal of David Crockett (one of my ancestors) is so much more believable than John Wayne's, and the same applies to the other actors. Part of the reason for my preference lies in advances in film technology between 1960 and 2004, but on the whole I just like this version better. Remember the Alamo. Remember Goliad. Remember San Jacinto. This is how nations are born.Read full review...

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Great...if you like Texas history

I really like this movie because I really like history.
But...my impression when I saw it in the theatre was that it was too long even for me. Now, seeing it at home on the big screen, I love it. It does a nice job showing events peripheral to the Alamo itself, concluding with the Texian victory at San Jacinto. Several elements were new to me, but my daughter, who had just finished 8th-grade Texas history, siad she learned about them in class.
Billy Bob Thornton is great as a very human Davy Crockett, and I'm not a Thornton fan normally.
If you don't enjoy history you won't like this movie, but if you DO,...don't miss it.Read full review...

Simply Outstanding.

Great Movie!!!!! The movie was very entertaining. Very well acted. It brought out a great deal of emotion. Unfortunately, it also exposed a truth that most people may have overlooked. Part of the battle of the Alamo was due to the settler's unwillingness to release their slaves. Which begs the question of how do we make villains of the Southern slave owners during the Civil War and yet make heroes of the defenders of the Alamo who also fought to retain their property ( slaves ). Something to think about Huh !!!!!!!!!!!!!Read full review...

Accurate depiction

Great movie. What makes it great is it is one of the most accurate depictions of the Alamo and subsequent Sea Jacinto battles. Billy Bob Thornton is the best Davey Crockett so far. Decent acting by all actors.Read full review...

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