Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

DVD, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Certificate 15

Extras: (Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D only) Animated Story, Audio Commentary, Making Of, Promo Video, Trailer

Based on the best-selling novel by Seth Grahame-Smith and combining director Timur Bekmambetov and producer Tim Burton, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is a bloody blockbuster of a movie that may at first seem to be style over substance, but underneath has a smart and compelling narrative flowing through it.

Spurred on by his desire to avenge the gruesome death of his mother Lincoln (Benjamin Walker) is thrust into an epic fight against vicious creatures threatening the future of the United States. Aided by the mysterious Henry Sturges (Dominic Cooper) in his quest to rid the country of the undead, and in particular their diabolical leader Adam (Rufus Sewell). Lincoln risks his presidency, his family and his life to protect America from an uprising of blood-thirsty vampires.

With a strong cast and strong on striking visuals, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is an adrenaline pumping feature that knows it audience well and delivers elaborate set-piece upon elaborate set-piece without losing sight that you always need a decent plot no matter how cool the CGI is. Timur Bekmambetov has his visual eye turned up to 11 and gives the viewer a vampire treat not seen since Blade first hit the screen.

The cast treat the script with respect, yes it way over-the-top and completely insane at times. Walker takes his role seriously, never descending into a cliché take on this well loved figure and treats him with respect. Mary Elizabeth Winstead as his wife Mary Todd Lincoln is fine support as is Cooper giving his character pathos and depth. Sewell keeps his evil character just the right side of pantomime but obviously relishes playing such a dark creation.

The Blu-ray edition contains some notable extras. The Great Calamity is smart short animated tale that is more Hammer in style than the movie that takes a page from the Elizabeth Bathory legend. The audio commentary from writer Seth Graham-Smith is smart and informative and well worth listening to. The Making Of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter lasts over 75 minutes and is a superb in-depth look at the production of this movie without ever descending into an empty, self-indulgent back-slapping piece of promotion. Powerless is a music video from Linkin Park and is your usual movie tie-n piece that unfortunately isn't their best work. The Theatrical Trailer sets the tone of the film nicely.

So then, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is an adventurous and satisfying piece of vampire cinema that really delivers.

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