It would have taken a huge miscalculation for Spielberg not to deliver a good film (given the subject matter).

Rating: 8/10 (19 November 2012)

'LINCOLN': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
Steven Spielberg's adaptation (in part) of Doris Kearns Goodwin's 2005 book "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln". The movie centers solely on the last four months of Lincoln's life (unlike the book) when he fought to emancipate the slaves. The screenplay was written by Tony Kushner (who also wrote the 2005 Spielberg directed film 'MUNICH'). It stars Daniel Day-Lewis as America's 16th President Abraham Lincoln (and perhaps most beloved). It co-stars Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, John Hawks and Jackie Earl Haley. The film is powerful and moving (as it should be, given it's subject matter) but it's still just a little too long and slow paced at times. Spielberg gives it his Spielberg touch though and Day-Lewis is amazing.
The film begins in 1865 as the American Civil War is coming to a conclusion and President Abraham Lincoln has began his second term in office. His main objective is to pass the historical constitutional amendment which banned slavery from the United States. He fights to do this before the war ends because if peace is reached before he can pass the amendment the southern states will stop it. As Lincoln deals with trying to collect enough votes he also deals with his conscience for not ending the war earlier (which would save thousands of lives). He must decide which is more important.
The film deals with one of the most important moments in the history of the United States so it would have taken a huge miscalculation for Spielberg not to deliver a good film. The subject almost guarantees an Oscar caliber film in the hands of any decent director. Some say Spielberg has lost his touch and although this film has received wide critical praise many viewers and former fans of Spielberg find it a tad boring. It is grand, visually breathtaking and monumentally epic and Spielberg does give it his usual magical touch. With that said it's also a little too long and slow paced at times. As emotionally moving as it is it seems like it could have been even more touching and powerful (given the subject matter). Daniel Day-Lewis is mesmerizing as Lincoln though and gives one of the best performances of the year (without a doubt). The supporting cast is all exceptional as well, especially Tommy Lee Jones in my opinion. The movie may not be as classic and memorable as it could have been but it's still a great film and if you're interested in the subject matter (which almost everyone should be) you're bound to find it at least somewhat interesting and involving.
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