I say "Yay". The critical savaging of The Alamo epic was grossly unfair and perhaps an indication of the immaturity and short attention span of today's movie critics and audiences.

I didn't mind the long build-up to the excellent battle sequences. Quaid was powerful as Sam Houston, Thornton was likeable in a tender characterization of David (Davey)Crockett and Jason Patric's Jim Bowie was hard as his steel knife. Patrick Wilson did his best as Colonel Travis -I don't know how old the real Colonel Travis was in 1836 or what his personality was like- but the role would've been better suited to an older actor.

The Alamo's long, detail and character-driven prelude was a risky decision by the director, but pays off with repeat viewings of the film. A director's cut would be even better.

Remember the Alamo!

tv & film votes http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=9422378