Movie Review

Since Timur Bekmambetov directed Wanted I've been excited to see what he does next. Here comes his latest Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and while it definitely features his signature style, the film is somewhat lacking.

I think I expected much more from it than what it delivered. While most movies carry on the requisite “training sequence” far too long and end up courting ridiculousness, this one was far too short. Then the first slew of kills were way too fast. While Honest Abe struggles during the first vampire slaying, the consequent scenes seemed rushed and void of impact.

That being said, I did really enjoy the climax, and was impressed with how they tied the true historical elements of Lincoln’s life to the story. I have not read Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel, but I have heard that the film follows it fairly closely.

Crave Factor - 7

Video

I recently procured a new TV, as my old rear projection Sony TV saw its colour block go buh-bye. Since that time I've refrained from reviewing as I got used to this new LED TV with it's gorgeous colours. Well, I think I've sampled a large enough base to now fairly judge any films on it.

This film is dark. The majority of it takes place at night and even the daytime scenes are purposefully grey. That being said, this film looks great. I can honestly say I was not distracted by any flaws. The darks are slightly muted, but I believe this is to keep the viewer focused on what's happening on screen.
Crave Factor - 7

Audio

Fox has made a wise move including a DTS-HD 7.1 audio track on this Blu-ray. It uses all the channels appropriately.Every aspect of this movie takes full advantage of each of the 7 speakers. Abe's axe swooshes through the room, the debris from explosions travels through each channel, and creaks on the floor board may make you look behind you.

Crave Factor - 10

Extras

The sole audio commentary is with Seth Grahame-Smith the writer/novelist discusses research and balancing history with the horror aspects. There is also a short CGI short called the Great Calamity.
There is a 5 part making-of documentary covering the book-to-screen adaptation, the locations, the fight choreography, makeup, and the director's visual style (which I enjoy the most).
To wrap things up is a Linkin Park music video, theatrical  trailer, and a few sneak peeks at other Fox releases.

Crave Factor - 6

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

The trailers for Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter made the movie look like an all-out action extravaganza, but it does slow down quite frequently to incorporate the historical aspects. Video is so-so, while the audio may just be one of the best I've heard in a long time. Extras may leave you wanting.

The big question is buy or rent? Unless you're obsessed with President Lincoln, or the legions of the undead... I say rent.

Overall Crave Factor
7.5

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In an unexpected surprise today, Ubisoft has dropped a tiny pebble onto the interweb which is quickly becoming a tidal wave! If you haven't heard about, or come across, this little video yet be prepared to have your eyes AND mind impressed. Assassin's Creed: Lineage - Part I. This first of a series of short films sets up the story for Ubisoft's upcoming release of Assassin's Creed II. The game is highly anticipated by the gaming community and Ubisoft has pulled out all of the stops with this little advertising stunt.

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This weeks episode of The Hollywood Hand-Off comes to us from the mysterious correspondent known only as 'E' who has sent us the enigmatic pic to your left and the following article detailing a particularly uncomfortable day playing the corpse of her much-suffering character, an underage-junkie-prostitute-barmaid-smartass-serial killer escapee-turned-imperiled witness. Ahhhh! That old chestnut.

Take it away E...

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