"Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter" movie trailer, book trailer, book review

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter (Movie trailer, Book trailer, Book)

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Movie Trailer #1 (movie opens June 22. 2012)

From IMDb-

“Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them.”

My two Lincolns:

The ticking intro succeeded in capturing my heartbeat. The voice (although not Lincoln accurate according to accounts I’ve since read) was also stirring and visuals were dark and fast for the vampires and iconic for Lincoln. “Wanted” is the only other movie I have seen directed by Timur Bekmanbetov which is the best movie equivalent of a roller coaster ride, taken with excellent actors, that I have ever seen. This film, like the former, will hinge primarily on the actors’ ability to sell the premise, and the director’s frenetic eye-candy style, to the audience.

(Since seeing the trailer I’ve read about some changes and character additions to the movie that make me a bit hesitant. I do still intend to actually go to the theatre and see this one – I usually wait for DVD – but not in 3D, which I think is generally unnecessary.)

Movie Trailer #2

IMDb entry

“Secret Life” Movie Featurette

Set Visit With StarBenjamin Walker

Frees Bloodsuckers To BeEvil Again

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Book Trailer

My two Lincolns:

I almost hate to admit it but this made me want to read the book more than the movie trailer. Its budget is more commensurate to that of a book than of a movie of course but it captures the feel and visuals that a title like “Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter” could inspire in historical, supernatural and positive senses. The Lincoln voice over (although, like the movie trailer, not Lincoln accurate as I have since found out) is passionate, it’s a nice touch that the vampire resembles Booth, and I like the Lincoln actor’s look and mannerisms (I have since found out that he has done work as a Lincoln impersonator for decades).

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Abraham Lincoln VampireHunter by Seth Grahame-Smith (2010)

My two Lincolns:

I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did (I mentioned my thoughts on actual historical figures with mythical creatures in “Bitten By the Hat”). It was actually a surprisingly well-done weaving of factual events (from Lincoln’s childhood to his assassination and just a bit beyond...) with supernatural fantasy monsters: I would dub it “historical horror fiction”. No, it’s not “Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter I Am” by Dr. Seuss nor is it Robert Green Ingersoll’s essay “Lincoln’s Axe Proclamation On American Vampire Civil Disobedience”; it’s an entertaining story that is worth an evening’s read, by firelight, alone...

(It also inspired me to read up on the actual man and if it does the same for others I would consider it a successful story.)

NPR article/excerpt

  

A review of "Being Lincoln: Men With Hats"

Being Lincoln: Men With Hats (Documentary, 2008)

Description from website-

“Delves into a national subculture of Abraham Lincoln impersonators and explores why the over 180 Lincoln presenters in the country do what they do. Meet a legion of Lincolns at the annual Association of Lincoln Presenters conference as they ham it up, discuss costuming challenges, share trade secrets and participate in photo ops galore.”

My two Lincolns:

It’s an interesting watch but really for those more immersed in the phenomenon.

Bitten By The Hat: Becoming A Lincolnphile

Bitten By The Hat: Becoming A Lincolnphile

Abrahamic Vampirism + OCD = an eternal obsession...ok, that’s probably a bit of an exaggeration.

Yes, I was aware of the “classic story/classic monster” literary mixing going on but wasn’t really that interested. I have loved monsters forever (or at least for my bit of eternity, all 45 years of it so far) but I hadn’t read any of the classics being remixed. I thought “Jane Eyre” and vampires would be a nice potion. Sure enough, “Jane Slayre” came out and I read and enjoyed it.

“AbrahamLincoln Vampire Hunter” by Seth Grahame-Smith (who started this craze with “Pride & Prejudice & Zombies”) was in a different vein. This was taking an actual once-living being who also happened to be an important US historical figure, and injecting his life, and times, with supernatural creatures.

I don’t know...Lincoln was one of my favorite yesteryear icons when I was very young, vampires have always been my favorite monster, but the mix just didn’t hypnotize me so I didn’t read the book.

Then Facebook sucked me in.  Someone posted a link to the movie, I don’t remember whom, I don’t remember when (probably after sunset), but I clicked on it.

I’ll save my thoughts on the movie trailer, book trailer, and book for a bit later. Suffice it to say that those three things seem to have begun my turn me into a blood-crazed Lincolnphile...I mean reawakened my interest in Lincoln the man...yes (ahem).

This is going to be my chronicle of that obsession, for as long as it lasts, and as many books/movies it absorbs. I’m going to post about each book/movie as I (hopefully) enjoy it, providing a link, an official description of/from the product and my two Lincolns about it.

And if you should happen to get bitten by the hat as well and find yourself perusing online bookstores for Lincoln in the dead of night...make sure your axe is sharp.

The hat Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre

A review of "The Transient"

The Transient (Movie Short, 2008)

Description from Youtube-

“The Transient is an 80’s action movie about a homeless vigilante and his caseworker, Steve, as they try and stop Vampire Abraham Lincoln from sucking the blood of four score and seven virgins. This short actually came out before the “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” book was released (and long before the 2012 movie!). At the time there weren’t too many connections between Lincoln and vampires so we thought it was a good premise!”

My two Lincolns:

Oh geez. Such a POE (Piece Of Excrement) that it’s actually kind of enjoyable, in an “Amazon Women Of The Avocado Jungle” sort of way. The zombie with a pacifier is cute. Genre staple of young vampiric chicks harem, or as Lincoln refers to them, “My Cabinet”, included. Almost every line Vampire Abe utters is a slightly modified Lincoln quote, which causes the Transient to angrily shout, “You talk funny!” The height difference between Vampire Lincoln and the Transient is great (Lincoln is 6’4”, the Transient is...not) which leads to a hysterical visual during the showdown. All in all: worth a watch if you’re into tongue-in-cheek film POEs.

(The actor who plays Vampire Lincoln is the same actor who played Abraham Lincoln in the Book trailer for “Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter”.)

A review of "The Day Lincoln Was Shot"

The Day Lincoln Was Shot(TV Movie, 1998)

From IMDB-

“The Murder. The Manhunt. The Events That Stunned A Nation.”

My two Lincolns micro-review:

Directed by John Gray.

Based on book of same name by Jim Bishop (full disclosure: I haven’t read it).

As the war-weary, fatalistic yet hopeful Abraham Lincoln we have Lance Henriksen: a criminally under-rated, woefully under-used by top directors in Hollywood actor. “Terminator”, “Pumpkinhead”, “Aliens”, “The Horror Show”, “Tales From The Crypt”, “Hard Target”, “The Quick & The Dead”, “Powder”, “Millennium”, “Hellraiser:Hellworld”, “Bone Dry”, “Bring Me The Head Of Lance Henriksen”.

As the egocentric, southern patriot, actor, playboy, assassin John Wilkes Booth we have Rob Morrowfrom “Northern Exposure” and “Numb3ers”. He’s always solid.

As the jealous, caring, somewhat haughty Mary Lincoln we have Donna Murphy who was Picard’s romantic interest in “Star Trek The Next Generation Insurrection” and Mrs. Doc Oc in “Spiderman 2”.

As the stalwart, much loved (at least in this movie) eldest son Robert Lincoln we have Wil Wheatonwho was Wesley Crusher on “Star Trek The Next Generation” and is The Bad Astronomer Phil Plait’s mancrush.

Forget the title: approximately the last eleven days of Lincoln’s life then jumps ahead twelve days to the last moments of Booth’s life with a quick follow-up of the other co=conspirators and supposed co-conspirators fates.

Even though constrained by tv movie time limits this does well with characterization.

Murphy’s Mary Lincoln has the emotionalism and fragility associated with the real woman.

Morrow’s Booth hints at the professional family rivalry (father and older brother also actors), sorrow at South’s loss, anger, arrogant confidence of an actor.

Henriksen, halfway to Lincoln with his craggy lined face and blue eyes, has a subtle, quiet toughness about him, ready to forgive the South and get back to being a United States again. He’s the Lincoln everyone sees in their head.

An almost everything-that-could-go-wrong-does-go-wrong chain of events: General Grant not going with the Lincolns to the theatre, an incompetent, drunken, fill-in for the President’s Guard that evening leads to Lincoln’s shooting as well as the attempted assassination of Secretary of State Seward and the almost attempted assassination of VP Johnson.

Watching the long night of Lincoln’s death is very dark. I recognized people, dialogue, Lincoln’s pocket contents from reports of the evening.

Downside: some bad camera work (one scene in particular is distractingly shaky). When having an actor who’s 5’10”-5’11” (depending on which website you’re reading) playing an historical figure known for his 6’4” height it might be best to never shoot him below the knees (not even in long shot). A 5”-6” height change between camera shots is disconcerting.

Over all, the film is slightly oversentimental but pays good attention to historical detail and is successful in portraying the losses of war, friend, husband, father, President and the birth of an icon.

A review of "The History Channel: In Search Of History: Lincoln: The Untold Stories"

The History Channel: In Search Of History: Lincoln: The Untold Stories (1998)

From Amazon-

“When Lincoln died, his former law partner William Herndon talked to over 250 friends for a now forgotten biography. Using his original papers, Douglas Wilson and Rodney Davis published Herndon's Informants 130 years later. Drawing on this rich new source, we paint an intimate portrait of Lincoln drawn from fact not myth.”

My two Lincolns:

Historian interviews, period photos, and the-should’ve-not-been-done “peer interview” reenactments = a very basic overview than an in-depth portrait. Unless it’s free and you’re bored, skip it.

A review of "The Trial Of Old Drum"

The Trial Of Old Drum    (2000)

Director:  Sean McNamara.

Starring: Scott Bakula (George Graham Vest), Bobby Edner (Charlie Jr), Aaron Fors (Donny), Kathy Garver (Katey), Alexis O'Keefe (Ann), Ron Perlman (Charles Sr), John Schuck (Lon), Alia Shawkat (Dee).

     This is a family movie set in 1950’s rural America about a boy whose Uncle presses sheep killing charges against his dog Drum, starting not only a family legal feud but community discord as their town begins to take sides.

     This is formula film that attempts to be very touching and sweet. Its biggest weakness is that the only people who could really act were Scott Bakula, Ron Perlman and the dog. (John Shuck and Kathy Garver, "Sissy" from the original "Family Affair," as the Uncle and his wife, were okay.) The children were not that good (basically they looked like they were acting) and that's a problem when the film really revolves around them (Aaron Fors, who plays the bully Donny makes me think of what the actor Russell Crowe must have looked liked as a child, only with no talent but a lot of ham). 

     Ron Perlman plays the widowed father of Drum’s young master. It was nice to 1) actually see him and not him with a lot of make up on and 2) see him not kill anyone for a change. He plays a strong, loving Dad and has some nice tender moments with his love interest (Alexis O’Keefe). 

     Favorite line (spoken by the Prosecutor after Scott Bakula's Defense closing trial speech): "We'll be lucky if they don't lynch us." 

     Favorite line spoken by Ron Perlman (after his son punches the bully): "Now making him your friend, that will be the hard part."

     Cute enough to rent/buy used. The Region 1 DVD has deleted scenes and an audio commentary with director Sean McNamara, producer David Brookwell and director of photography Mark Doering-Powell.

     First published in 2004 on "The Perlman Pages":

The Perlman Pages

A review of "A Town Has Turned To Dust"

A Town Has Turned To Dust    TV movie    (1998)

Director: Rob Nilsson.

Original screenplay by Rod Serling (creator of The Twilight Zone).

Starring: Frankie Avina, Judy Collins, Steven Lang, Zahn McClarnon, Gabriel Olos, Ron Perlman, Barbara Jane Reams, Scott Wilkinson.

     Two hundred years in the future, in a radioactive scrap metal mining town on the almost completely abandoned, draught ridden, dying planet Earth, a young man of a "second class race" is lynched for the supposed beating and attempted rape of the wife of the town boss before he can be taken off planet to the new home of humanity for trial. The act exhumes an old guilt that begins the final disintegration of a town already half buried in the ugly dust of racism and prejudice. 

     This was a nice surprise as Sci-Fi Channel movies are hit and miss. Steven Lang ("Ike Clanton" from 1993's "Tombstone") does an excellent job as the useless, haunted town drunk and Sheriff Harvey Denton. The "Cain and Abel-ish" brother like relationship between his character and Ron Perlman's town boss and mob ring leader Jerry Paul is well done by both actors. You can see it there dying, being killed by time, guilt, booze and power. The abusive love-hate relationship between Jerry Paul and his wife Maya (Barbara Jane Reams) is very realistic, scary in its unhealthy depths of possession and desire to care and be cared for.

     Definitely worth a rent (the DVD has no extras, which is surprising because I have heard that a making of documentary was done).

     First published in 2004 on The Perlman Pages.

It's time to make Hollywood squeaky clean: a review of "Tinseltown"

Tinseltown    (1997)

     It’s time to make Hollywood squeaky clean.

Director: Tony Spiridakis.

Based on the play "Self Storage."

Starring: John Considine (Wolfie), David Dukes (in the last two scenes only but he shines) (Jake), Arye Gross (Max), Joe Pantoliano (Arnie), Ron Perlman (reprising his stage role) (Cliff), Kristy Swanson (Nikki), Tom Wood (Tiger).

     A broke would be screenwriter and his would be agent (Tom Wood and Arye Gross) are forced to live in a self storage facility run by an eccentric and intimidating manager (Ron Perlman) whom they come to believe is the serial murderer that is terrorizing the city, the "Costume Killer" (so named because, after injecting his victims with Windex, he dresses them in silly costumes). They convince him his life story would make a great film and gather together a group of misfit wannabe film makers and discover that the art of movie making can be murder.

     There is more to this movie but it was unfortunately left on the editing room floor and it shows (rumor is the studio wanted a "lighter" dark comedy). Our loss (and the actors, who all do fine jobs and deserve better) as this has the makings of an exceptional black comedy but only rises to mediocre cute.

     Worth a rent.

     First published in 2004 on The Perlman Pages.

  

A government assassin develops the most deadly weapon of all…a conscience: a review of "Supreme Sanction"

Supreme Sanction     TV Movie     (1999)

     A government assassin develops the most deadly weapon of all…a conscience.

Director: John Terlesky.

Starring: David Dukes (Jordan McNamara), Donald Faison (Marcus), Michael Madsen (Dalton), Ron Perlman (the Director), Kristy Swanson (Jenna).

     A government assassin (Swanson), disturbed by the demoralization within her operation, refuses to kill a reporter (Dukes) and instead teams up with him to break his story of corruption in her agency, all while being hunted by her ex-superior (Madsen) and protected by her good natured “gadget man” (Faison).  

     This is an above average TV movie that’s fun to watch.  A decent plot that you actually do have to give some attention to.  Enjoyable performances.  Not to mention that it was interesting to see half the cast of the comedy “Tinseltown" (Dukes, Perlman, Swanson) reunited in something completely different.

     Worth a rent/buy used.

     The Region 1 DVD has an audio commentary with director John Terlesky and actor Michael Madsen.

            First published in 2004 on The Perlman Pages.

  

A review of "Star Trek: Nemesis"

Star Trek: Nemesis     (2002)

Director:  Stuart Baird.

Starring: LeVar Burton (Geordie), Michael Dorn (Worf), Jonathan Frakes (Riker), Tom Hardy (Shinzon), Gates McFadden (Crusher), Ron Perlman (Viceroy), Marina Sirtis (Troi), Brent Spiner (Data), Patrick Stewart (Picard).

     A Reman raised clone (Hardy) of a young Picard conquers Romulas and seeks to capture his unknowing genetic contributor to complete a DNA transfer that would save him from cellular break down and death but kill Picard.

     This would have made a better Star Trek: The Next Generation two parter episode.  Surprise ending to TNG aspect of the ongoing Star Trek mythology; unfortunately not a "Wow!" but a "What the f*ck were they thinking?!"  Has some nice Trek moments (Riker and Troi marry, Data finds a "brother").   On par with "Star Trek: Insurrection" not "Star Trek: First Contact" as far as quality.  

     Worth seeing for sci-fi fans, worth buying for Star Trek: The Next Generation fans to complete their ST:TNG collection.

     On a side note:  I didn't know that Ron Perlman was in this movie until I saw his name in the opening credits. I leaned over to my friend Ken (a gay man, you'll need to know this for a reason) and said "I didn't know Ron Perlman was in this movie!" Ken: "Yeah!" Me: "Who's he play?" Ken: "Close your eyes and listen." Me: "Should I move over one seat so you'll have room to drool?" Ken: "You might have to!" Then we saw him (just when you thought his voice couldn't get any deeper...digitally altered) and his "big nosferatu rat on steroids with radiation poisoning" make up and Ken leaned over: "You won't need to move. No voice could get past that face." 

     First published in 2004 on The Perlman Pages.