I’ve always been an admirer of Abraham Lincoln. His presidency may have been the most tumultuous in our short history as a nation. Whether you like him or not, one very important thing occurred during his presidency. People around the world stopped saying “These are the United States” and started saying “This is the United States” - a collection of states became one nation. Lincoln consistently ranks high in public opinion polls and I think that may be one reason why a lot of people scoff when I tell them I liked the movie Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter. Lincoln is so iconic that some people feel that putting him into a fantasy movie is somehow wrong or in bad taste. I’m just the opposite. I was excited about this movie when I first saw it advertised as a trailer in the movie theater. I was thrilled to see a character I knew and admired cast in a story that was new to me. I was dying to see how his life and the history surrounding him would be incorporated (if all) into the plot of this movie. As it turns out, major events in his life are folded into the plot. Lincoln’s character in the movie is given the same attributes of the real Lincoln – hardworking, outspoken and true to his convictions. You could just as easily substitute corrupt politicians or a criminal organization for the vampires and expect the same determination from the movie character Lincoln. Of course the fight scenes would not be as good. Abraham Lincoln the vampire hunter can flat out twirl his axe. I’ve watched a couple of the moves over and over trying to figure out exactly how he handles his axe and I’m still at a loss. Needless to say, if there was a black belt given for axe fighting, Lincoln would be the master. I watched the special features section on the DVD (yes, I own the movie) and the screenwriter put it best when he called this movie a fantastical history adventure. I’m not a fan of scary movies, but this movie is more adventure and less scary. I thought the movie was a lot of fun – it made me leave the real world behind for 105 minutes. Isn’t that what movies are supposed to? I highly recommend this movie, especially if you like Lincoln. And remember, it’s just a movie!
(I can’t wait for the prequel – George Washington, Zombie Killer!)
(I can’t wait for the prequel – George Washington, Zombie Killer!)