Sunday, October 28, 2012
Michael Allen
Director: Timur Bekmambetov.
Writer: Seth Grahame-Smith.
Cast: Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rufus Sewell, Marton Csokas, Jimmi Simpson, Joseph Mawle, Robin McLeavy, and Erin Wasson.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is the second story from writer Seth Grahame-Smith that this film fan is aware of. Grahame-Smith also wrote the popular Pride, Prejudice and Zombies. This writer is able to look at a historical period and reimage them within the horror genre. In his latest reimaging, Abraham Lincoln has a new chapter added into his already famous life. He was a vampire assassin! In true comic book style, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter blends genres to create for a fun and entertaining viewing.
Lincoln is an especially famous historical figure. He abolished slavery, began the Civil War and he was the founder of the republic of America as it is known today. All of these elements are shown in the film here, but they are slightly altered. The American Civil War was started to fight slavery and in the film, this war was also started to remove a vampiric plague. Historical events are seen differently by the writer. If the film is to be believed, Lincoln was also bitten by a vampire and he was trained to kill the undead after losing his mother to a bloodsucker. All of these changes add a horror element to an important historical figure and period in time.
But, is this truly a horror film? There are characters of horror such as the aforementioned vampires. However, there is more here. This title is heavily focused on action. There are many well choreographed action scenes. Lincoln also wields an axe in bloody fashion. Warfare breaks out and the protagonist hops on a train, or he slays a vampiric pharmacist. So, this film is also partially an action adventure. As well, there are elements of a thriller film housed with Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Probably the weakest of the genres mentioned, thriller elements include chase scenes and conflicts between characters. It is difficult to decide who is fighting with Lincoln or against him at times. And fans of romance will find the courtship between Lincoln (Benjamin Walker) and Mary Todd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) believable and filled with chemistry. These two characters and their relationship play out in a quaint, but curious fashion. All of these genres create for a mishmash of a film that can seem over-the-top at times.
Thus, this film develops much like a comic book placed to screen. The characters are larger than life, the action sequences are wild and the story is colourful and alive. Also, the themes here or the social messages are a means to an end, entertainment. The writing here is not meant to change audiences, or make them rethink their lives; it is meant to takes audiences to a place of ridiculousness. And, the outcome is still uplifting and fun.
All of the production elements in this title are also well executed. The acting is especially well done. Walker is great as Abraham Lincoln, both young and old. His theatrical background is brought to the screen during Presidential speeches and even through his many layers of make-up. This film fan has almost always enjoyed performances from actor Rufus Sewell. Since Vinyan, this actor has continued to stand out in his material. In this picture, Sewell plays Adam, the main antagonist. And, Sewell brings some nobility to this five thousand year old vampire. Mary Elizabeth Winstead also holds her own and she performs admirably across time periods. Winstead also shows a believable character progression as Todd changes from a lovestruck young woman into a grief stricken mature parent. Her acting abilities are versatile. Footage, coverage, the score and shooting are all handled expertly and this viewer really has no complaints when it comes to the film's elaborate production features.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is an enjoyable film. This title is basically a popcorn flick with a few historical elements added with vampires to base the film both in fiction and non-fiction. The filmmakers have taken a comic book approach to the film, but the tone here is often serious. This is not a comedic feature. Yet, there is lots to smile at in this vampiric tale.
Overall: 7 out of 10 (light entertainment, good acting, well choreographed fights, a good blend of genres).
*special features:
This release hosts several hours of special features. There are five behind-the-scenes featurettes that cover everything from fight choreography to make-up and developing the film visually. There is also a commentary from writer Seth Grahame-Smith. Also, there is a theatrical trailer and a music video from Linkin Park titled "Powerless." There is a ton of extra and behind the camera material that film fans will find interesting and perhaps compelling.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter's fan page is here:
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Posted in: 2012,2012 release,action,action adventure,bloodshed,horror,movie review,thriller,vampire,vampire apocalypse
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