"Abraham Lincoln - Vampire Hunter" (2012) - LIKED Rating

Rating: 6/10 (7 July 2012)

Pros: Artistic interpretation of one of America's most colorful time periods/events, rich historical context, strong story/character and plot development, well-balanced genre distribution, fun & creative action choreography/scenes, beautiful cinematography, and genuine love for our dear President Abraham Lincoln. The story was touching - the raw intensity of humanity, human faith, and what it means to be a friend, to be free, to live, to die it brings out emotions. Also, they did a great job of making Benjamin Walker look like Abraham Lincoln!
Cons: Not the best story background for the vampires. Although that also builds onto one of the film's good qualities, I would have also enjoyed a bit more vampire dirty secrets :). Also not a detrimental flaw, but there is not a great deal of eye-candy. But then again, it is a presidential film...
This movie wins points to the heart and reveals its hidden potential. It had a difficult time with marketing, an unfair, disadvantage. Perhaps it was an inadequate preview – the trailer consisted of action scenes and moments emphasizing vampire slaughters, deemphasizing its qualities as a historical piece. Viewers also laughed at the absurdity and maybe disrespectful play of even considering a treasured U.S President with vampires. Whatever the reason, a good population of the viewers tossed this film aside, choosing to focus on the upcoming Spiderman or other big names. Too bad. If given a chance, this film pleasantly surprises with an artistic interpretation of one of America's most colorful time periods/events, rich historical context, strong story/character and plot development, well-balanced genre distribution, fun & creative action choreography/scenes, beautiful cinematography, and genuine love for our dear President Abraham Lincoln. I fully enjoyed the film and from the commentary afterwards, so did many viewers.
The film's interpretation of the slavery abolition period is fully developed and adequately supported, convincing viewers that the whole notion almost could be possible. If there was going to be a vampire era in the United States. It would be the 1800s. If there was going to be a vampire hunter, Mr. Lincoln would have been one.
Though the film portrayed itself as a pure vampire flick, the detail in historical references and de-emphasis of vampires makes it much more (there isn't a scene that allows a careful study of the vampire design, which from quick glances looks like a 'Supernatural' multi-fanged/'Van Helsing' demonic/ and Trueblood creation, and the vampires' backgrounds are not fully explained). ***SPOILER*** In fact, Abraham Lincoln's prime time as a vampire hunter was very short, limited to a few scenes in his youth, while the path to him becoming a vampire hunter and his later career as a lawyer, politician, and president got more devotion. Slavery, North and South's relationship, the war, and even the under- ground railroad play key roles in this story's development.***END OF SPOILER*** The story was touching - the raw intensity of humanity, human faith, and what it means to be a friend, to be free, to live, to die brings out emotions.
Although Abraham Lincoln is put in a fictional scenario, the film puts out quite a bit of his "true life". Some viewers unfamiliar with our 16th President's background may get a bit of an education, like how Abraham Lincoln was indeed an "axeman" in his youth. Other characters are also introduced and developed to a satisfying degree, and romance is kept to a minimal. This film is a great blend of adventure, action, suspense, comedy, and feminine heroism!
The cinematography and choreography are also not to be left out when awarding compliments. Possessing a lovely 'Gone with the Wind' feel, the soft lighting and tones enchant viewers to the charms of romanticism. The action scenes are also not lacking in comparison to 'Bond' films or our favorite sci-fis.
All in all, the film greatly celebrated Abraham Lincoln, the abolition of slavery, and our obsession for vampires ;). It was a great film – if you enjoy adventure/action/sci-fi/vampires/history and/or are a Tim Burton fan, you should go watch this!