Texas Rising

Despite airing on the History Channel, the 2015 miniseries Texas Rising features as much hokum as fact about the Texas Revolution. A list of its historical errors and dramatic inventions—including a truly wild take on Emily West (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), the so-called “Yellow Rose” of state lore—would be long indeed. Still, it can be enjoyable if approached in the proper spirit, namely with an understanding that this is more action movie than documentary. The first of five episodes begins with the aftermath of the fall of the Alamo, a loss that forces General Sam Houston (Bill Paxton) to order a retreat in the face of Santa Anna's (Olivier Martinez) far larger forces, much to the displeasure of some of Houston's men. The series continues up through the decisive battle of San Jacinto some seven weeks later, which resulted in the creation of the Texas Republic with Houston at its head. Plenty of incidental drama is served up along the way, including Indian raids and the formation of the Texas Rangers (all presented within the context of a heroes-and-villains mentality). While the cast is large and impressive, virtually all of the recognizable actors (including Kris Kristofferson as President Andrew Jackson) are hobbled by wooden dialogue, as well as the often pedestrian direction by Roland Joffé, who seems more comfortable with battle scenes than more intimate drama. Overall, however, this is a mostly engaging, albeit rather juvenile, take on early Texas history that is handsomely mounted and shot in evocative (if not entirely convincing) Mexican locations. Extras include a “making-of” featurette, and two more on Houston and Santa Anna. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)