Details
Movie Description
An epic that evokes films such as HOW THE WEST WAS WON and DANCES WITH WOLVES, THE ALAMO details the key 1863 battle fought to win Texas from the Mexican government. Originally constructed as a Spanish mission, the Alamo provided a secure post between Texas settlements and the troops of General Santa Anna (Emilio Echevarria), protecting the scores of people working to develop the budding territory, including Davy Crockett (Billy Bob Thornton), James Bowie (Jason Patric), and Sam Houston (Dennis Quaid). But when it was left in the care of an inexperienced leader, the men stationed at the Alamo found themselves in a deadly ambush by Santa Anna. With an insurmountable advantage in strategy and sheer numbers, Santa Anna led the complete slaughter of Alamo forces, an act that incited the ire of Houston who initiated the turnaround that brought Santa Anna's quick defeat.
Thornton provides a standout performance as Davy Crockett, who had gained notoriety as an adventurer, rumored to have jumped the Mississippi River. As the Alamo troops prepare to fight, Thornton's nuanced Crockett tempers their adrenalin with horrific battle tales and helps them come to terms with their impending mortality. While graphically reminding viewers of the horrors of war, the film also pays homage to the bravery and patriotism of the men who fought to liberate Texas, live in a free democratic society, and build better lives.
Film Notes
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen - 2.35
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes - 1. WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HEROES
2. RETURN OF A LEGEND: MAKING OF THE ALAMO
3. DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXANS
Industry Reviews
"Indeed, as played by Billy Bob Thornton with an oaken bucketful of born-on-a-mountaintop charisma, the Tennessee native emerges as a legend."
Entertainment Weekly - Lisa Schwarzbaum (04/16/2004)
"Mr. Thornton plays Crockett with a disarming self-awareness; he deals with the gantlet of mockery he must endure with an appreciative graciousness."
New York Times - Elvis Mitchell (04/09/2004)
"Thornton plays his part for the movie moment, not for history....The actor perfectly fulfills the need for the character to be both empathetic and entertaining."
Los Angeles Times - Manohla Dargis (04/09/2004)
"Thornton is excellent and now seems genetically incapable of being anything less than great in any role he takes."
USA Today - Mike Clark (04/09/2004)
"[Featuring] one of Billy Bob Thornton's best performances....[The] intimate hand-to-hand conflict is balanced by awesome long shots..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (04/09/2004)
"[With] a standout performance from Thornton -- his Crockett has both tremulous self-doubt and charisma..."
Uncut - Kevin Maher (10/01/2004)
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