What A Crockett

Flag-waving lunatics, that's how we Brits see Americans, right? Well, it seems that even American patriotism knows its limits, as evidenced by the lacklustre performance of The Alamo at this weekend's box office. Taking a measly $9.2 million, John Lee Hancock's $107 million picture arrived on the tails of negative reviews and, despite its tale of good, old-fashioned, ballsy nationalism, did nothing to ignite fervour in American audiences. The Alamo recounts the time-honoured tale of 183 Texans led by Billy Bob Thornton's Davy Crockett. Fending off the 2000-strong Mexican army this stalwart band facilitated the liberation of Texas and ensured that chewing tobacco, big hats and shiny side-arms remained in vogue for the next 170 years and counting. Originally wrapped in Oscar hopes, the film's ignoble entrance should nip that particular pipedream in the bud. But director John Lee Hancock shouldn't get too depressed, after all he's in good company. You can cast your eyes over some of the best of the worst by checking out our Turkey Dozen.