I think the same elements that have made "King Of The Hill" a hit comedy are present in this cult film masterpiece. Just as there are everyday-life characters that closely resemble Hank Hill, Dale, and Boomhower, there are real people much like Cowboy, Claude, Ichabod, and the rest of the gang who like to hang out at the Alamo. It is this realism of the characters that makes "Last Night At the Alamo" so good.
This film brilliantly plays more like a documentary than a feature film, and it is shot in black & white. The use of live sound as opposed to overdubs also lends to this documentary-type feel. "Last Night At the Alamo" is very unique in that regard.
The acting was superb, especially Lou Perry as Claude. Sonny Carl Davis, most well-remembered as the jerk businessman who demands a refund from Brad Hamilton in "Fast Times At Ridgemont High", was excellent as the charismatic Cowboy Regan. Furthermore, Steve Mattila turned in a memorable performance as the annoying Ichabod.
Eagle Pennell may have captured the most realistic portrayal of blue-collar Texas ever. Because of this in my opinion, this film ranks right up there with greatest Texas films of time like "Giant", "the Alamo", "Urban Cowboy", and "the Last Picture Show".