The Alamo

Rated PG-13

Starring Billy Bob Thorton, Dennis Quaid

“The Alamo” was an anticipated film for me. I visited the set outside of Austin twice (thanks to my friend Steve White), interviewed director John Lee Hancock on the phone (and later met him on the set), and interviewed production designer Michael Corenblith, who does a magnificent job with the breathtaking and visionary set. This movie is an accomplishment in everything from acting to historical accuracy.

It is, of course, the famous story of the Texans standing against Santa Anna’s ferocious army of Mexicans. Fighting for the freedom of Texas from Mexico, the Texans hid in the mission called The Alamo, and were eventually all massacred. Billy Bob Thornton shines as the legendary Davy Crocket - a character that is so unique and powerful all because of Thornton’s performance. Also in the Alamo are Jim Bowie (Jason Patric) and William Travis (Patrick Wilson), each spectacular.

I’ve heard people complain about Dennis Quaid’s performance as Sam Houston, but I thought it was noble and exciting, as is the film. The movie gives a tingling feeling about what it’s like to face death, and turns the story of The Alamo into an experience instead of just a story.

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