The state of Texas, for many non-Americans, represents everything that is both the best and the worst of the USA. These conflicting sentiments are often evoked by Texas' history, especially the first half of the 19th Century, which provided rich material for Hollywood and American novelists. One such novelist was James Michener, whose epic novel Texas was adapted into a 3-hour television film in 1995, directed by Richard Lang.
Released on the 150th anniversary of Texas' admission to the Union, the film covers the quarter-century leading up to that event, beginning in the early 1820s when newly independent Mexico sought settlers for its northeastern province of Tejas. Most of the settlers in this new land are Anglo-Saxons led by Stephen Austin (played by Patrick Duffy), initially living in harmony with Mexicans. However, the arrival of the brutal dictator Santa Anna (played by Lloyd Battista) sparks conflict between the settlers and the government, with more and more Texans leaning towards independence under the influence of Sam Houston (played by Stacey Keach). This sets the stage for a legendary yet bloody conflict.
Despite its epic plot, Texas falls short of feeling truly epic. The limited budget is evident, with famous siege scenes relying on footage from John Wayne's Alamo, and a lackluster reconstruction of the battle at San Jacinto. Non-military events also suffer, with the script focusing more on a clichéd love triangle involving Stephen Austin and two fictional characters, rather than historical accuracy. While the acting, particularly from Rick Schroeder, is commendable, it is not enough to save Texas from fading into obscurity.
RATING: 2/10 (-)
(Note: This review was originally posted on the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on September 15th, 2003)
Watch the trailer here: Texas (1995) Trailer
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