BrianSez's Review

Summary - Great 4.0

What an outstanding showcase of Daniel Day Lewis’ acting talent, and a unique view of Lincoln that only Spielberg could conceive of. Ok, it was a bit long, and for my taste of action and adventure, Lincoln surely carried along with it a big risk of putting me to sleep. Instead I found myself mostly enthralled by the heady and often humorous dialog, and completely caught up in the politics of the 13th amendment. Lincoln was an amazing man, and this Spielberg rendition comes closest so far to bringing his greatness to the modern masses.

Acting - Really Great 4.5

The entire cast was commendable, and there are too many to mention, but the notables in my book:

Daniel Day Lewis – Is there any other actor that can “become” his subject so completely? I don’t think so.

Sally Field – With her complete flair for Drama, I’m told she also fit the part of Mary Lincoln quite well.

Tommy Lee Jones – Wonderful rendition of the crotchety yet visionary Thaddeus Stevens

David Strathairn – Very adept at the wound up William Seward

Bruce McGill – One of my favorites as the the irreverent Edwin Stanton

Joseph Gordon-Levitt – a smaller role as the son Robert Lincoln – but admirably dramatic

Hal Holbrook – ever the dynamic professional as Preston Blair

Gloria Reuben – Stoic but strongly present as attendant Elizabeth Keckley

Film - Great 4.0

Edge - Tame 1.5

Reality - Glib 1.1

2 Comments

• BrettHarrison Mar 28, 2013 5:37PM

  Regarding BrettHarrison’s Review
  Thanks Wick. I think the thing that really spurred me on to say was the minimal use of music. He often just sort of gives John Williams a blank check and lets him go crazy.

• Wick Mar 28, 2013 4:09PM

  Regarding BrettHarrison’s Review
  “May be Spielberg’s most confident movie.” Interesting observation.

• Feed
• Movies
• ViewLists
• NewOnDemand