Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov Starring: Benjamin Walker, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Anthony Mackie Rating: Not Yet Rated Release Date: June 22, 2012
TRAILER SCORE: 4/10
Thoughts by TSR: Maybe this would make more sense to me if I’d read Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel of the same name. I haven’t been following this one too closely, but with a title like Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter I assumed it would be a lot more self-aware. Instead there’s this weird discrepancy between how straight-faced Timur Bekmambetov looks to be playing it and how silly the actual images on display are. There is something about it I find kind of off-putting. If I have to watch my presidents hunt vampires, I’d prefer to have fun while doing so.
While I’m not really on board with the tone, I do think some of the visuals are quite appealing – the train sequence in particular. But like I said, most of it just looks too silly. The brief shot of Lincoln twirling an ax while alone in his workshop is ridiculous, and stuff like the final shot is just too much. It’s impossible to say what sort of performances the actors will turn in, but Benjamin Walker at least looks like a fine vampire hunting Lincoln.
The trailer didn’t do much for me, but I have to say I’m curious to find out how this will play to the public. If it’s a success maybe we’ll get more president vs. legendary creature movies. As an Iowan I will be awaiting Herbert Hoover: Hydra Slayer. Somebody get Gosling and Winding Refn on the phone!