Just go with it

Rating: 5/10 (22 June 2012)

Based on the novel by Seth Grahame Smith, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter capitalizes on the recent Vampire craze launched by Twilight and True Blood by turning the Civil War into a battle between vampires and humans (guess who is on the South's side?). When Abraham Lincoln witnesses his mother's murder, he swears to get his revenge. Little does he know that the murderer is in fact a vampire. With the aid of an enigmatic trainer, Lincoln dedicates his life to vanquishing Vampires, which leads to the dissolution of the Union.
I think people need to loosen up about this movie. Yes, the concept is absurd. But why is that bad? The movie is an entertaining action romp and it should be taken as such. Benjamin Walker is an endearing Abraham Lincoln and the vampires are all very entertaining, especially Martin Csokas. The supporting cast members are all fun as well. The action scenes, while not the best I've seen, are still exciting enough to keep you in a state of suspense. The final big action scene of the movie is the highlight of the film.
The movie is not above criticism of course. The 3d does absolutely nothing and I think the film felt rushed. It would have benefited if it was about twenty minutes longer. While it might seem ridiculous to criticize a film like this for historical inaccuracies, one thing really irked me. Abraham Lincoln's friendship (if friendship is even the right word) with William Johnson did not go back as far as childhood. The earliest records of William Johnson's relationship with Lincoln are from 1860. I think they embellished this relationship to portray Lincoln as a racial egalitarian from birth, an interpretation that I have always been highly skeptical of.
Basically, if you let your mind go, you will have fun with this movie. See it in a regular theater if you can though.