Lincoln

Lincoln

Mom’s Rating: 8

Just a note on my rating system: I’m saving a 10 for the next Lawrence of Arabia, so you probably won’t see too many of those from me.  It really tops out at 9 which is what I gave Argo.  Lincoln is every bit as high quality, but as impeccable as it was it didn’t surprise me in any way and I’m not sure how much I would want to watch it again.  So an 8, not a 9.  The best thing about Lincoln was- surprise!- the title performance by Daniel Day-Lewis.  They might as well have started engraving his name on the Oscar when he was cast. He made Lincoln so very human- kind of goofy with the tedious anecdotes, so loving with his young son, melancholy, steely when he needed to be.  And during the film I never every thought, “what an amazing performance.” He just WAS Lincoln.  One for the ages.  Sally Field was also better than she has been in a long time and brought some real pathos to a difficult woman.  I thought Tommy Lee Jones was a bit one note, but that may have been the way the part was written.  James Spader was a hoot (an hoot?) in the comic relief role of the corrupt lobbyist.  I thought the structure of the film was exceptional and elevated it over the average biopic- so smart to focus tightly on this one incident of getting the amendment passed rather than trying to show the whole sweep of his life or career. You learned the background you needed to know along the way and you saw his principles in action and in depth.   All of the political machinations saved him from being too saintly to be human.  This is a film that will last.

Jay's Rating: 9 out of 10

Best actor has Daniel Day Lewis written all over it! This movie is about President Lincoln trying to free the slaves and make peace with the Confederates, even though everyone says he can’t have both. Daniel Day Lewis was amazing. He was such a strong, inspiring character during the whole movie. he fought constantly for what was right through perseverance and determination. Tommy Lee Jones was also a great supporting actor. I loved the part when used all kinds of old fashioned insults to insult the Democrats in the movie. I think this movie is ok for kids 13 and up, due to some strong language. This is a must see!