The Alamo ... Good blind buy?
 

I am sure I am going to get mixed reviews, but is The Alamo a good blind buy? I wanted to see this at the theaters but never got a chance to see it. Now it is out on DVD so I am curious.

If you have Netflix, I'd suggest getting it from there. I didn't enjoy it very much, but I know people who loved it. I don't know the history very well, so I can't comment on that.

It's worth a viewing but not a second one from me.

Well, being a Texan, I found it pretty enjoyable. In addition to that, I think Texans are probably more apt to like it regardless of how good it really is. Having said that, from a movie standpoint, I thought it was quite good.

Depends if you like historical dramas or not. There is action, but its not a total action movie. If movies such as Ridley Scotts "1492 Conquest for Paradise" and Luc Besson's "Joan of Arc, The Messenger" appeal to you, then you will probably like the Alamo.

I liked it for the most part, but I cannot recommend it as a blind buy. It was a tad slow. I remember thinking it was far better than the reviews said, and Billy Bob Thornton deserves an Oscar for it imo, but the massive cuts(like 45minutes to an hour) prior to release I think really threw off it's pacing. Best to see it for yourself before committing.

It's best when it's following Billy Bob Thornton's Davy Crockett, but the parts with Sam Houston(Dennis Quaid) struck me as poorly constructed in the theatrical cut. When the film is actually IN the Alamo, it's very interesting.

I'd be interested in a Director's Cut dvd, but I can't see buying this one myself, unless the price drops quite a bit.

Long and boring. I slept through the last 45 minutes. Too much talking for me. They should have just blown them all up in the first 5 minutes, and be done with it.

Just finished watching it and IMHO I would rent it first... I'm glad I did ;)

I have bought it but i haven't watched it yet, my tv broke.

Forget The Alamo.

I'd say rent it. Personally, I'd never spend even my time on watching this... seems like worthless Hollywood formula schlock.

Good blind buy:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg




Bad blind buy:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

^^^AGREED

I'm curious to see this, but based on the less-than-enthusiastic reviews, and tepid (ok - cold) overall audience responses, this one cries out "rental!".

I agree with all this. Absolutely everybody I know that saw it enjoyed it, but I can see where that might not be the case for people in other states.

I'm another defender of The Alamo (No pun intended) and thought it was unfairly attacked. I'm pleased with the purchase and would like to point out that the DVD-case doesn't mention that there's a fine audio commentary provided by historians/consultants.

or better things I could buy with 15 bucks.

Absolutely everyone at the screening that saw this did not like it. including myself. Too long, average acting (Billy Bob was the only one that carried this film) and laughable scenes made it really bad.

I agree with this, but it was refreshing to finally see the Battle of San Jacinto rather than to read it as an epilogue in nearly every other "Alamo" movie created.

It depends on what kind of movie you're looking for. If you want lots of battles and action, you can forget this Alamo. If you're looking for a character study with some good acting, give it a shot. I'm also one of those who thinks Billy Bob should get an Oscar nod for his role here - I have a review of the theatrical release on the site, if you'd like to read more of my thoughts:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=10244

However, MOST who have seen this film disagree with me...so it's only fair that you weigh my comments with others who have seen the film!

Having watched it on a plane last week, I can safely say it was the best entertainment available to me at the time.

Why not just get John Wayne's version? Yes, he directed as well as acted. It's not a great film, but at least it's entertaining and has some real actors in it. And it has some interesting stuff in the 'extras'. I guess someone else here already suggested this, sorry.

That's too bad, that is what I thought the movie was about. After reading all of these post I am just going to rent it for. Thanks.

WRONG FORUM! why do these blind buys keep popping up here when they clearly belong and always have been in reviews and recommendations.

Just got through watching this film. It isn't as bad as everybody says it is, although the best part of it is the last 45 minutes. I'm not sure how many times it can be rewatched but for the $15 it's a good addition to any collection. Billy Bob and Dennis Quaid are excellent in this film.

doc

Nice way to contribute to the thread :)

Awaited for this movie to come out in the theater way too long, for some reason it was delayed. Once I saw it was very dissapointed, watching the original trailer was the highlight of the experience :/

-Tim