As a historical war film, THE ALAMO isn't bad at all. It tells an interesting, rarely-covered story in a mostly realistic way, and it has enough workable performances from the lead actors turning legendary figures into real-life characters to make it worth a watch. The main problem with it lies in the existence of the 1960 John Wayne version of the story with the same name; that movie was an epic, full of drama, action, and pathos, and by comparison this is weak sauce indeed.Both films are lengthy but I didn't start to fidget in the Wayne version as I did here. The battle scene in this version, when it comes, is more realistic but less gripping and somehow less violent than in the Wayne version. The casting is a mixed bag too. I like Patrick Wilson but he's just starting out here and has a lot to learn; his performance is much more mannered than in a film like BONE TOMAHAWK. Jason Patric barely registers and Dennis Quaid's role is rather pointless. Best of the lot is Billy Bob Thornton, whose Davy Crockett is a typically offbeat and unique portrayal, but other than that THE ALAMO is merely so-so.

Just simply a wonderful story of how average people defeated a dictator. For years I've felt badly for the people of Mexico, and how their future of land and resources was lost. But the Battle for the Alamo presents the case for why Santa Ana had to be defeated. I'm sure you've seen the 1960 version of this story with John Wayne, but this film is worth viewing as well. Colorful in so many respects. It was worth watching.

The Admiral - Roaring Currents (2014 film) about 12 ships against 330 ships (from Korean/Japanese history of 1597) is the same odds ratio basically as 180 men against 5000 men in, The Alamo (2004 film) from Mexican and Texas U.S. history.There is nothing new under the sun according to the Bible author of the Book of Ecclesiastes.In both films you have the head military leader coughing up blood into a napkin. The Admiral does so (The Admiral), and Colonel Bowie does so (The Alamo).The Alamo writers use 180 Texan troops fighting against 5000 Mexican troops. Whereas, The Admiral writers use 12 Korean ships against 330 Japanese ships. That is almost exactly the same odds ratio. EXAMPLE: 12 ships times 10 = 120 ships. 330 ships times 10 = 3300 ships. add half as many more and you get 180 ships against 4950 ships (sounds like 180 men against 5000 men).Either history repeats herself around the world or else these writers are deceiving us into thinking their plots are original?Consider the Israelite story of Moses, King Saul, and King David. Then consider the Roman/Greek story of the Emperor Nero. Nero's life was very similar to the combined lives of Moses/Saul/David.Davy Crockett's life can be compared to Jesus Christ in great detail. Davy was even purported to have risen from the dead and appeared to many in Mexico City after the fall of the Alamo (and his death). Davy bled the 5000 whereas Jesus fed the 5000. And so on.And COL Jim Bowie, COL Davy Crockett, and LT COL William Travis are considered the Holy Trinity of the Alamo.Perhaps the Admiral is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost all rolled up into one? Or should I add Moses too, making 4? We have to add in General Sam Houston into the mix to make a victory for the Texans. So perhaps the Admiral is: Moses, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit all rolled up into one, or Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, William Travis, and Sam Houston all rolled up into one?

*** WARNING:THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS***By far the most accurate Alamo film ever made. The opening scene is very emotional, and the music throughout the movie is amazing. This is also the only Alamo movie to show William Travis dying from a bullet to the forehead. All the other movies show the Mexicans breaching the walls, Travis turning around, drawing his sword, killing a few Mexicans, and then dying from a bullet wound to the chest. so wrong. This movie also gets the fact right that the entire final battle took place at night. The real battle wasn't a heroic John Wayne glorious last stand. It was a desperate struggle during the early morning hours. One of my favorite parts in the movie is Crockett's last stand. The scene shows him and a few other Texans that have retreated into the church. They know there is no way they can survive. Looks of sadness are on their faces when they realize they are about to die. Suddenly, Mexicans charge through the church's entrance. Crockett and his men literally run to meet them with swinging muskets. It also shows Crockett surrendering and being executed by Santa Anna's men. Before he dies, he warns them that he's a "screamer." Right before the Mexicans bayonet him, he screams at them before being run through with their bayonets. The most epic way of showing Crockett's death. A+