Abraham Lincoln: Vampire hunter (3D) - Movie Review

Based on a novel by the same name,‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ takes the concept of fantasy to a whole new level of silliness. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov and is co-produced by Tim Burton, this movie narrates the nonexistent secret life of the the 16th President of the United States. Walk into this one only If you're looking for some cheap thrills and have a stomach for blood and gore.

The plot is devoid of intelligence or wit except for the tagline, 'You're either a patriot or a vampire' - reminiscent of a very similar statement by another contemporary US president.
 

The young Abraham watches his mother die of unexplained symptoms. He grows up to learn that vampires are not a myth but a reality walking the streets alongside men. Driven by vengeance, he sets out to find the one particular vampire and kill it. In the process, AB befriends Henry Sturgess (played by Dominic Cooper) who teaches him the fine-art of the AXE and vampire hunting. Henry also convinces AB that it's not all about personal vendetta but fighting for a bigger cause. However, after the personal revenge AB retires to nation building. 

Silly enough; one fine day, the ruling elite of the vampires decide that it's about time they had an entire nation for themselves. All at a time when US citizen are busy fighting the civil-war. So, the now-president is forced into one last show-down. In between all this is Mary Todd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead); AB's love interest and Henry's own little secret.

First of all, let's extend the axe it's due credit. As evident from the trailers, the movie is more about the fine-art of the axe than the president himself. With 3D and a budget of 69 million dollars, Timur-Burton duo have created plenty of camera-wow-moments.




Clearly, this movie is an indulgent extravagance for those that relish close combat, blood spills, vampire slaying, knives and the fine-art of it. Apart from this, movie fails in every other department. Benjamin Walker looks appealing as older Lincoln; only in costume and posture. However, the dual lives of the Abraham Lincoln is neither consistent nor convincing. Dominic Cooper is the pick among the cast with a charming screen presence.

If you're looking for morals or the struggle of one man or the struggle of a nation; sorry there isn't any of these. Timur-Burton specialize in a very specific skill-sets. there is plenty of that and nothing more. 

In the end, either you walk out with curses for the production team or deep appreciation for the axe and all that it can do.

Rating: 6/10. The rating is only an acknowledgement of the technical brilliance; no reflection of the plot or its intelligence.

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Men in Black 3 (3D) - Movie Review

The third installment of MIB is refreshingly new and surprises you with an engaging plot that goes beyond just one-liners, space guns and alien busting. 

The challenge with making sequels to cult movie franchisee is two fold. Firstly, the style of film-making should be consistent with the prequels; the loyal fans of the franchisee like it that way. Secondly, there ought to be something new in the sequel. The director Barry Sonnenfeld strikes this fine balance too well in Men in Black 3. 

Boris-The Animal (Jemaine Clement), an alien convict escapes from the max-security lunar prison. He reaches earth and vows to go back in time and kill Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) who shot off one of his arms and put him in the prison for 40 years. Agent J (Will Smith) goes back in time to the good old hippie-days to stop Boris, and more importantly, save his friend and partner. Oh yes, as ever the world needs to be saved as well. 

Lets review the list of expected things first. It's been 10 years since the last MIB. But that doesn't show up one bit in the  chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. 

However, the best performance in the movie comes from Josh Brolin (the younger Agent K). The casting is so perfect here that you'll end up enjoying every moment younger Agent K is on screen and comparing him with the elder Tommy Lee Jones. In fact, of-age-J and younger-K interactions forms some of the best moments of the movie. 

The alien creatures in MB3 are grotesque than ever to say the least. There are plenty of action and chase sequences. While they are not the best we've seen in recent times (read Avengers), at least it justifies the viewing pleasure in 3D. In the end, MIB3 does not stand out because of the action, aliens or the time travel plot. The secret ingredient is something else. 

The real surprise, the charm of MIB3 is in the human angle to the lives of the  Secret Agent story. For the first time, MIB franchisee explores the dynamics of the relationship between it's lead characters. The plot delves into Agent K's dialogue, "Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to". In addition to it, the time travel lends additional insights and interest to the popular characters. 

The best however, is saved for the climax that is intertwined with a significant moment of human history and sort of connects the dots of MIB franchise. 

My Verdict: MIB3 is not an absolute watch. But, in all probability, you may like it.  

My Rating: 7/10 

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