REVIEW: ABRAHAM LINCOLN-VAMPIRE HUNTER

3.5/5

Four Scores.

105 Minutes. Starring: Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jimmi Simpson, Rufus Sewell & Marton Csokas. Director: Timur Bekmambetov. Screenplay: Seth Grahame-Smith

Abraham Lincoln is the presidents President. One of the most inspirational and influential political figures of all time. He wore a top hat, freed the slaves, sported a bold beard, delivered the rousing Gettysburg address and at nights slayed vampires by the four scores like his name was Buffy...wait a minute! OK so that last bits obviously as fictional as 'Twilight' but it's the story here in 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' where between wielding speeches and axes our leader fights for freedom from dusk 'till dawn.

Produced perfectly by legend of the nightfall Tim Burton but delivered and directed darkly by Timur Bekmambetov. This is one cult hit that will rise from the shadows and light up the competition like stakes to the heart. It's all taken higher here. From strangely pulling-off being respectable to the late, legendary President to being one cool, guilty-pleasure popcorn movie. You don't have to know anything about politics or vampires to enjoy this one. Although both themes are expertly addressed here.

Stunningly shot in 3D from close combat to murders on trains that rival the orient express this film looks the part and with serving as a hallmark capturing of history this period piece feels almost perfect. The cast is great too. Benjamin Walker takes the oath of President with good faith. Switching between young and old like a seasoned pro, all whilst resembling a young Liam Neeson. Which makes us think that the hardest working man in Hollywood would make for the perfect President in Speilberg's upcoming Lincoln epic biopic. Still, sorry Neeson it's taken. The iconic Daniel Day Lewis will be sworn in instead.

Dominic Cooper AKA 'The Devils Double'/a young Howard Stark in 'Captain America' and many more continues his chameleon turn as a great cast character with charm and charisma. Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jimmi Simpson also further their credits. Still its Anthony Mackie leads the support of the Presidents men. The next great actor of the moment plays this period performance perfectly (just wait for his eras gone by 'Gangster Squad' police story) and shows he's the perfect right hand man. You can thank his show-stealing, charming star-turn in 'The Adjustment Bureau' for that. Even when he's criminally underused this actor is guilty of being a scene-thief. He's just that good...like this film.

Far from a proclamation this funny but fresh film is an emancipation. Especially from the tired vampire movies that are slowly turning into dust. The stakes are raised on this one however, showing this theme is far from the coffin. This re-imagining is a rebirth. With a nice nod to current times and some respectable moments to past ones this strange film is done right. Now we can't wait for 'JFK: Werewolf Hunter'. Hey, anythings possible. TIM DAVID HARVEY.