Post by neferetus on Nov 9, 2007 11:20:57 GMT -5
My brother, John Huthmacher, is a columnist for the Grand Island
Independent nespaper. Here is his review of THE ALAMO (2004) from April, 2004:
With Thornton, The Alamo is mission accomplished
His Portrayal Of Davy Crockett in this epic war movie
is larger-than-life
By John Huthmacher
It was a case of art imitates life when
"The Alamo" hit theatres over the weekend
in Nebraska and nationwide.
Judging from the spattering of seemingly
satisfied patrons who caught the film over
the Easter weekend at local theatres, it's
still anyone's guess just how or if this film
will be remembered.
Filmed on location in Texas, the film
reenacts the historical battle fought by
some 180 freedom fighters who - against
insurmountable numbers - held the mission
fort long enough to allow Sam Houston
(Dennis Quaid) and his men time to rustle
Texas away from Mexico's tyrant leader,
Santa Anna.
The film stars Billy Bob Thornton in the
role of Davy Crockett, Quaid as Houston,
Jason Patric as Jim Bowie and Patrick
Wilson as William Travis.
Historically accurate by most counts, the
film's cinematography soaks up the vast
landscape in eye-catching detail. Battle
scenes make good use of surround-sound
technology to effetively pull the viewer
onto the battlefield in much the same
fashion as in "Saving Private Ryan" though
with notably less gratuitous gore.
While clever camera angles keep the fast-paced
film on track, the lack of considerable character
development makes it difficult for viewers
to bond with most of the story's heroes.
As Houston, Quaid seems to keep a safe
distance from the audience. His performance
offers little in terms of passion or human emotion.
In contrast, Thornton lives up to the same
"good ol' boy" persona he has exhibited in
other roles. His portrayal of the legendary
Crockett is warm and captivating.
He seems to enjoy himself on screen.
This down home charm - coupled with his
defiant departure at the feet of Santa Anna
- make him one of the movie's truly memorable
characters.
Another strong performer is Wilson in
the role of the worldly, well educated Travis.
His character's evolution from pompous
patsy to well respected commander -
unlike portions of the edited film (about
45 minutes were hacked off the final cut) -
is fluent and sufficient, though the script
omits the drawing of his most famous line
in the dirt.
Though adequate in his portrayal of Bowie,
Patric's numerous deathbed close-ups are
largely unmoving. Perhaps it's because he
looks a little too robust for a guy gasping
out his last to evoke much sympathy.
Following Crockett's final moments on
screen, the picture's allure drops off
considerably. The finale - a large scale
battle that took over two weeks to film -
is over in a matter of minutes. The
printed text explanation that sums up
the final outcome seems awkward and
condescending. It's as though the viewer
is presumed to have no knowledge of the
battle whatsoever.
Memorable for its cinematograpgy,
mission set, and Thornton's performance,
"The Alamo" is engaging enough to merit a
look-see at your local theatre.
Mission accomplished.
Independent nespaper. Here is his review of THE ALAMO (2004) from April, 2004:
With Thornton, The Alamo is mission accomplished
His Portrayal Of Davy Crockett in this epic war movie
is larger-than-life
By John Huthmacher
It was a case of art imitates life when
"The Alamo" hit theatres over the weekend
in Nebraska and nationwide.
Judging from the spattering of seemingly
satisfied patrons who caught the film over
the Easter weekend at local theatres, it's
still anyone's guess just how or if this film
will be remembered.
Filmed on location in Texas, the film
reenacts the historical battle fought by
some 180 freedom fighters who - against
insurmountable numbers - held the mission
fort long enough to allow Sam Houston
(Dennis Quaid) and his men time to rustle
Texas away from Mexico's tyrant leader,
Santa Anna.
The film stars Billy Bob Thornton in the
role of Davy Crockett, Quaid as Houston,
Jason Patric as Jim Bowie and Patrick
Wilson as William Travis.
Historically accurate by most counts, the
film's cinematography soaks up the vast
landscape in eye-catching detail. Battle
scenes make good use of surround-sound
technology to effetively pull the viewer
onto the battlefield in much the same
fashion as in "Saving Private Ryan" though
with notably less gratuitous gore.
While clever camera angles keep the fast-paced
film on track, the lack of considerable character
development makes it difficult for viewers
to bond with most of the story's heroes.
As Houston, Quaid seems to keep a safe
distance from the audience. His performance
offers little in terms of passion or human emotion.
In contrast, Thornton lives up to the same
"good ol' boy" persona he has exhibited in
other roles. His portrayal of the legendary
Crockett is warm and captivating.
He seems to enjoy himself on screen.
This down home charm - coupled with his
defiant departure at the feet of Santa Anna
- make him one of the movie's truly memorable
characters.
Another strong performer is Wilson in
the role of the worldly, well educated Travis.
His character's evolution from pompous
patsy to well respected commander -
unlike portions of the edited film (about
45 minutes were hacked off the final cut) -
is fluent and sufficient, though the script
omits the drawing of his most famous line
in the dirt.
Though adequate in his portrayal of Bowie,
Patric's numerous deathbed close-ups are
largely unmoving. Perhaps it's because he
looks a little too robust for a guy gasping
out his last to evoke much sympathy.
Following Crockett's final moments on
screen, the picture's allure drops off
considerably. The finale - a large scale
battle that took over two weeks to film -
is over in a matter of minutes. The
printed text explanation that sums up
the final outcome seems awkward and
condescending. It's as though the viewer
is presumed to have no knowledge of the
battle whatsoever.
Memorable for its cinematograpgy,
mission set, and Thornton's performance,
"The Alamo" is engaging enough to merit a
look-see at your local theatre.
Mission accomplished.
