Great Movie

Rating: 9/10 (23 December 2012)

Earlier this year, a film was released directed by Timur Bekmambetov called Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. And it was a boring, cheap looking film that took itself way too seriously. Now Steven Spielberg has released his movie based on the greatest president in the history of the United States (in my opinion). And do I even have to tell you it's a lot better. But what surprises me is that not only is this film better, but it actually has more humorous moments than Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Yes, the drama about Lincoln actually has more humor than the movie called Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, how is that possible? OK enough about comparing it to that film, there are a few things that didn't work in this film. For one it takes a while to really get going, the first twenty-five minutes or so can drag a bit, yeah I know it's meant to establish the characters and start the story, but I really didn't get invested until around the twenty-five minute mark when it started. And there are so many characters in this movie that I forgot some of their names, I remembered their faces, but sometimes it could get confusing, especially since I'm not a historian, or even that into history. I only know some stuff, so at times I got a little lost and would have to catch up quickly.
Basically everything else in this film is great. The acting all around is fantastic. Daniel-Day Lewis plays Lincoln so well, he was so likable, like a grandfather, and I had to keep reminding myself that he was Daniel-Day Lewis. He played it so likable, but also somewhat flawed, as his performance and the make up showed that he clearly hasn't been sleeping much. Everyone else from the veterans to the the boy playing Lincoln's youngest son were all great. The film also has an interesting plot, like I said it could get confusing at times, but I found some of the stuff it brought up to be interesting. Like are they technically stealing property by abolishing slavery. Production value wise it's amazing, the costumes, the make-up, the set design, lighting, everything looks great, but that's Steven Spielberg for you. And I like that it has a sense of humor, that's one of the reasons I don't plan on watching "Shindler's List" again, because it was just so depressing. And since I'm not a history nut, I can't say how well this informs on the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, but at least this film acknowledges that Lincoln had more than one son.
Lincoln is a great film with fantastic acting, amazing production value, and and interesting story. It's only downfalls are a few pacing issues and being a bit too confusing at times. But those problems don't stop this from being one of the best films of the year, and a great film on Steven Spielberg's resume.