It didn't come together

Rating: 3/10 (30 January 2013)

I was so looking forward to this film, but felt let down watching it.
1. Many of the best bits were revealed in the previews.
2. While DDL (and Jared Harris) disappeared into their characters, I was distracted by the familiarity of other actors... Here was Sally Field being herself. Here was James Spader, doing James Spader with a mustache. I didn't find any of the other characters very interesting either, except for TLJ, who was just as recognizable, but he was surprisingly powerful in his range of energies.
3. I was expecting a film that showed how Lincoln skillfully navigated political processes and used his eloquence and intelligence to change minds. Instead, the majority of his fight was outsourced. In other words, he bribed others via proxy.
4. The arguments in the House were nothing but insult trading. No exploration of ideas. No honest debate. And to be fair, this might have been the reality.
5. A lot of scenes simply felt disjointed. Example: the "I am the President, clothed in" speech. It was a powerful moment but wasted on a cabinet already behind him. They know he's both President and powerful. That's a line he should deliver to the opposition... but doesn't.
Again I loved the acting by some and appreciated the film work, sets, etc. And I appreciate that it's more of a drama than an action film. Still, a good drama needs to be clicking in terms of energy.