Don’t you love it when you see a good film? I mean, a really good film? It’s as if you can almost forgive Hollywood’s slew of crap and truly appreciate a really great movie. Well, that’s just the case with Lincoln. If one can overlook the temporary injections of corniness, they can witness a beautiful, passionately and wonderfully acted, and an even charming film blossom before their very eyes.
Lincoln follows the 16th President and his cabinet’s journey to establish the 13th Amendment; you know, the one that gets rid of slavery? Obviously, it’s kind of a big deal, and some people don’t like it. Abraham Lincoln must convince his nation to ratify this measure, all while attempting to bring the Civil War to a close, grieve with his wife Mary over the death of his son Willy, raise and love his other two boys, and deal with a bunch of old, grumpy white guys.
In short, Spielberg’s still got it. All of these topics are handled gracefully and flow smoothly with each other, also managing to paint a touching portrait of Lincoln. (Lincoln’s kind of like the Grandpa you wished you had, who would go off topic and tell funny stories, then somehow tie that story into his preceding point, and look really cool and wise.) While Spielberg’s direction is great (one is always aware of the camera, but it seems more like a warm invite than an irritating awareness), let’s give a round of applause for Tony Kushner, the screenwriter. It takes great skill to construct an accurate and pleasing portrait of Lincoln and his presidency. And the assassination: tactful, despite how weird that may sound. The death of America’s President is sad, yet bittersweet.
And wow, I forgot to mention the acting; that’s just how good it is. Everyone falls completely into their characters, and I bet you $100 Daniel Day-Lewis is winning that Oscar.*
Lincoln is one of the best films this year, no doubt about it.
☆☆☆☆
*I’m sorry, I actually can’t give you a $100.
Good review. I have to watch this one this weekend.
Good review. I have to watch this one this weekend.
Please do! It’s actually worth the price of admission.
Great review! After reading many less than glowing reviews of this movie, it’s nice to see you liked it so much. I am really looking forward to it. I’ll prepare myself to overlook some infusions of corniness.
They seem to go with the territory with period pieces. I liked The Conspirator (did you see that one?) However, I thought the heartfelt courtroom oratory was over the top.
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That’s weird – The Conspirator was just recommended to me yesterday by another friend! I definitely have to see it now.
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Nice review. I liked this film, but didn’t love it. Also, I’m not sold on DDL winning the Oscar just yet.
I’d recommend The Conspirator as well.
Well, you do have Joaquin Phoenix…though I didn’t like The Master, his performance was excellent. Nice call!
Outstanding review, as always. I saw this film over the weekend and I can’t agree with your more, it was, by far, the best movie I have seen in years. And you’re right, Daniel Day-Lewis is a shoe in for an Oscar.
Yep, I can see it now!
Daniel Day definitely deserves an Oscar-nomination for his work here as well as Tommy Lee Jones. Everybody else is very, very good but these were the two stand-outs who always kept things alive and well. Nice review Alley.
Everyone did well, even Sally Fields. I think it’s time for me to the “My Left Shoe.”
Great review, now I’m really excited to see this! Hoping to see it over Thanksgiving break and from what I’ve seen and heard, I’m sure it’ll be fantastic.
Go see it and eat much turkey!
Nice review Alley. Can’t wait to catch this one. Anything with DDL is always worth it.
Absolutely!
Agree. Loved this one and Daniel Day Lewis is spectacular in it.
I’m telling you, I see the Oscar already…
Still haven’t seen it yet, but I’m sure I will in the next week or two. I’ve heard nothing but good things, so hopefully I will appreciate it as much as everyone else.
You’ll love it, or at least appreciate what it tries to do. Please go see it.
Awesome review. I’m definitely seeing this for the cast!
They’re excellent!